Breaking News: Man Utd has finally axe 25% of staff as billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe lays out brutal cuts

As part of severe cost-cutting measures, new Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to slash the club’s budget.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to wield the axe at Manchester United (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced a brutal staff reduction at English giants Manchester United, with as many as 25% of the staff set to be let go.

In order to assess a massive reorganization of the club’s football operation, Ratcliffe will retain the services of a top consultant in the world. After spending £1.3 billion to acquire a 27.7 percent stake in United, the billionaire wants to cut costs there.

Ratcliffe thinks United could use some streamlining since they have too many employees in too many departments. The Americans agree with Ratcliffe’s plan, and rumor has it that he has discussed it with fellow owners the Glazers.

Workers are understandably shocked and worried that they may lose their employment before the new season begins. With nearly 1,200 people working out of Old Trafford, United boast the largest staff of any Premier League club.

Compared to Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, three of their main rivals, this number is higher, coming in at over a thousand. In particular, Ratcliffe will have the consultants he hires—who have employees in 158 countries—focus on United’s marketing, merchandise, and match day departments.

In October, United set a new record for turnover at nearly £649 million. However, the following month, City knocked them out of the park, even though they had fewer employees. After acquiring a company, Ratcliffe is known for making significant improvements.

Ratcliffe prioritized quality over quantity, and INEOS became known for reducing staffing levels. According to Ratcliffe, a smaller workforce fosters more responsibility, accountability, and originality.

After signing with United last month, Ratcliffe wasted little time getting to work. He hopes United can win the Premier League title again by 2027 and will assess Erik ten Hag’s future in charge this summer.