Manchester United, one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, has revealed plans to slash up to 200 workers jobs as part of a sweeping “transformation plan” aimed at bolstering its financial sustainability. The announcement, made during a staff meeting on Monday, comes after the club reported losses of £300 million over the past three years and follows a significant reduction of 250 staff members last year—nearly a quarter of its UK workforce.
Chief Executive Omar Berrada addressed employees, emphasizing the urgency of the situation: “We have posted five consecutive years of losses since 2019, and this cannot continue.” The club anticipates that between 150 and 200 UK-based workers could face redundancy in this latest round of cuts, though affected staff will not be notified until next month. Berrada described the measures as critical to ensuring the club’s long-term success both on and off the pitch.
A Plan for Renewal
Dubbed a “transformation plan to strengthen financial sustainability and modernise its operating structure,” the initiative includes a series of cost-cutting and restructuring efforts. In a statement, Berrada underscored the club’s dual priorities: “delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities.” He added, “We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.”
Among the changes, Manchester United FC will scale back its London office, previously a key hub under former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, and shift some operations to the newly revamped £50m Carrington training complex. The club has also appointed Marc Armstrong as chief business officer to lead its commercial operations.
Even smaller measures are being implemented, such as ending free staff lunches at Old Trafford—a move expected to save over £1 million annually. Club sources noted that this aligns with practices at most modern workplaces.
Regret and Responsibility
Acknowledging the human toll of the decision, Berrada expressed regret: “We deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing.” He promised that, by the end of the process, Manchester United would emerge as a “more lean, agile, and financially sustainable football club,” capable of maintaining top-tier service for commercial partners while adhering to UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.
The club’s leadership insists that these steps will pave the way for renewed investment in the men’s, women’s, and academy teams, as well as upgraded facilities for fans. “We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win,” Berrada said.
The Workers Union Says…
“This latest round of redundancies follows a turbulent period for Manchester United, which has struggled to replicate its past dominance on the field while grappling with financial challenges off it. Last year’s workforce reduction of 250 employees marked the beginning of what the club now calls a broader renewal effort. With losses mounting and competition intensifying, the pressure is on to balance fiscal responsibility with the demands of a global fanbase hungry for success.
As the club prepares to inform staff of their status next month, uncertainty looms for many workers. Yet, Manchester United’s leadership remains resolute, framing the cuts as a painful but necessary step toward a brighter future.”
