MANCHESTER UNITED staff are “disgruntled” at new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to cut their FA Cup final perks.
The Red Devils will play a second successive FA Cup final on May 25 in a repeat of last year’s showpiece against Manchester City – where Pep Guardiola’s men claimed a 2-1 win.
In the past, Man Utd have given tickets to all of their 1,100 staff members, while senior staff and directors were able to take friends and family.
Travel to and from the stadium, pre-match food, a post-match party and hotel accommodation were also paid for by the club.
But The Times have now revealed an email has been sent to all staff after new protocols were established by co-owners Ineos, headed up by British billionaire Ratcliffe.
Staff were told they will only receive one ticket for the game, while they will also have to pay £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley on the day of the match.
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All other perks have been scrapped.
The email read: “There is still hard work ahead over the coming weeks, but I know everyone at the club is completely focused on delivering the performances and results expected of Manchester United and finding ways to win in whatever role you do.
“In recognition of your ongoing support this season, we will organise a colleague trip to Wembley for the final on 25 May.
“This year, the trip will be a little different. We will still provide you with a complimentary ticket to the game. However, we’ll ask you to contribute towards coach travel, and lunch will not be provided.
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“While we appreciate this is a change from previous trips, you will all be aware of the need for us to spend the club’s money effectively, with a focus on performance and outcomes.
“We hope that this year’s trip balances the opportunity for you to go to Wembley to support our players while also ensuring we can invest as much as possible into the club over the coming months to achieve our goal of returning Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football.”
The email also states “subsidised coaches to and from Wembley will be provided”, though there is the caveat “you will be asked to contribute £20 towards return travel or £10 one-way”.
This fee will be deducted from employees’ June salaries.
Reports claim this is an attempt from Ratcliffe and Ineos to ensure they stay within Uefa and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The withdrawal of staff perks is said to be a “blow to morale”, but some are understood to be “supportive” of the decision.
However, the criticism comes after Man Utd’s owners were praised earlier this week for agreeing to subsidise FA Cup final tickets for all Under-16 season ticket holder.
Young supporters will receive a £30 discount, meaning some will be able to buy a ticket for just £5.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
