Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ruthless cost-cutting measures at Manchester United have continued into 2025.
The first year of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership of Manchester United was full of controversy and concern.
The British billionaire was handed sporting control at Old Trafford following his £1.2bn takeover deal, but his approach to ‘fixing’ the club has been merciless.
United are currently struggling under Profit and Sustainability Rules and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aiming to make the club more financially sustainable. But his methods have been questionable.
Ticket prices have risen to £66, much to the frustration and anger of United fans. Sir Alex Ferguson’s contract was ripped up, and staff have had several job perks cut.
Back in July, Ratcliffe cut 250 jobs at United in an attempt to save costs. Now, more staff are set to be dismissed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans 100 more job cuts at Man United
When Ratcliffe arrived at United, the Red Devils employed more staff than any other top-flight club at 1,112 members.
That number has already been significantly cut, and now according to The Times, more than 100 staff are now at risk of losing their jobs.
At the end of January, finance expert Kieran Maguire predicted more cutbacks at United – and unfortunately that has now become a reality.
United recently announced losses of £300million over the past three years, which has contributed to a lack of a transfer budget in recent windows.
But to pin the blame on club staff that work hard every day – rather than the decision-makers who paid over £20m to sack Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth – sums up the problems at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s latest job cuts also risk angering the playing squad, with one “brilliant” member of staff losing their job.
Who is Jackie Kay? Man United’s ‘unsung hero’ loved by players
Within the report above, it is also revealed that United’s head of team operations Jackie Kay is a victim of the latest job cuts.
Kay had worked at United since 1995, serving the Red Devils for close to 30 years. She was initially hired as the executive assistant to David Gill, but in 2023 she was promoted to head of team operations – just a few months before Ratcliffe’s arrival.
She is described as a “hugely popular figure” among players, with one club insider saying she is “the oil in the machine” and a key figure that links the management and squad.
Former United captain Ashley Young raved about Kay’s role at the club, hailing her as “brilliant” and an unsung hero.
“She’s just brilliant,” Young said. “She’s like the mum to everyone. If there are any problems or there is anything we need sorting out it’s a case of ‘Jackie can you do this’, ‘Jackie can you help with this’!”
United players will no longer have the privilege of working with Kay – a decision that may trigger some backlash from the squad.
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