Manchester United is undergoing a major financial overhaul, and one of the most controversial decisions has been the elimination of free meals for club employees. From now on, staff working at Old Trafford and Carrington will only have access to fruit and, at best, a simple soup with bread. The only ones exempt from the new policy are the players, who will continue to receive full meal service.
The decision was announced by CEO Omar Berrada during a meeting with employees, who were not even allowed to ask questions. The measure aims to save around €1 million per year, but it has already sparked backlash from fans and club personnel alike.
The cost-cutting initiative comes directly from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Ineos, who acquired a 25% stake in the club in December 2023. The British billionaire has implemented strict financial controls to address United’s economic struggles, with the latest quarterly report showing losses of €34 million and a total debt nearing £1 billion—much of it inherited from loans taken out by the previous owners, the Glazer family.
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However, the cost-saving strategy goes beyond meal restrictions. In the coming months, Manchester United is set to lay off between 150 and 200 employees, following last year’s job cuts that saw 250 staff members let go.
Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures are not new. In 2024, he had already removed chauffeur services for executives and slashed several corporate benefits. For now, charitable donations to the Manchester United Foundation and the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association appear to be safe.
