Manchester United have axed lunchboxes for matchday staff and cut the number of programmes given to corporate fans in half as part of a series of ongoing cost-saving measures at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a quarter stake in the club earlier this year which, as revealed, led to them making around 250 redundancies.
And it can now be reported that a number of other matchday areas have been identified for further savings.
The club’s army of agency staff were previously given a lunchbox, which included a sandwich, cereal bar, bag of crisps and soft drink. However, many were dismayed to find the offering had vanished at United’s first match of the season against Fulham on Friday night.
Some told that they were instead offered leftovers from the food supplied to corporate punters. United say that while some of the food offered was the same as that served earlier to fans they insist that it was not left overs and that extra quantities are now being made for staff.
Sir Jim ratcliffe and INEOS have been implementing a variety of cost-cutting measures since they took part ownership in Manchester United earlier this year
United are set to axe lunchboxes for matchday staff are also going to slash the number of programmes given to corporate fans in half
They add that the review identified issues with the lunchboxes, saying that much of the food was not eaten and therefore wasted.
Some workers have also claimed that they are being forced to eat in a toilet. ‘They’ve set up a dining table next to four toilet cubicles,’ said one. ‘You come out of the cubicle and someone is sat in right front of you, eating.’
However, United say that there is a separate room to use and that some are choosing to eat in a quieter staff area which has an adjoining bathroom and shower room.
Up until this season those who pay thousands per game to watch the action from private boxes have each been provided with a matchday programme. However, at the Fulham game some were stunned to find that only five were handed out for boxes of 10. ‘Given the money we pay, to not even get a programme each seems miserly in the extreme,’ said one disgruntled fan.
United say they are providing half the capacity of boxes with programmes and have acted after identifying wastage, with many of the magazines found in bins following games.
They add that anyone who asks for a programme in a box will be given one and say there is a QR code which people can use to read it in digital format.
Usage of private chauffeurs and company credit cards were among the first areas targeted
The moves are indicative of a wide-scale drive to slash costs and create a leaner business
Other perks for senior staff, such as a pre-match party, lunch after the match, and hotel accommodation, were scrapped entirely
The moves are indicative of a wide-scale drive to slash costs, create a leaner business and ensure that the club maximises the amount it can spend on its playing squad.
Usage of private chauffeurs and company credit cards were among the first areas targeted, with incoming officials staggered by a perceived overspend.
And some staff were left dismayed when they were told they would have to pay for transport to the FA Cup Final in a break from tradition.
Other perks for senior staff, such as a pre-match party, lunch after the match, and hotel accommodation, were scrapped entirely, as was the ability for those employees and directors to bring their friends and family to the Wembley showpiece.