Manchester United staff email leaked after FA Cup final benefits slashed by INEOS

An email from Manchester United to their employees has been leaked after INEOS made the decision to slash benefits for the upcoming FA Cup final.

United face up against Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the second season in a row after winning against Coventry City in the semi-final last weekend.

It will be the club’s first final since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS became co-owners at Old Trafford and there will be differences when they return to Wembley.

INEOS have launched investigations into every area of United to identity where the club have been going wrong. It has been well reported that the spending at the club, not only in terms of transfer fees, is one area that has been highlighted.

The Times have now revealed that United staff will no longer receive their traditional perks for the FA Cup final, with free lunches, coach travel and additional tickets for senior members of staff all being taken away.

Instead, now, staff will receive one ticket each and will have to spend £20 for coach travel from Manchester to Wembley and back. Other benefits have gone.

The report from The Times also revealed the email that staff received detailing the changes.

“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,” the email read.

“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.

“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 Times added that the email then stated that the trip involves “one complimentary general admission ticket if required” and that “subsidised coaches to and from Wembley will be provided”. “You will be asked to contribute £20 towards return travel or £10 one-way,” the email states. “If you choose this option, it will be deducted from your June salary.”

According to the report, there had been mixed opinions within the workforce over these changes, with some club insiders suggesting that it is a stern measure taken by Sir Jim Ratcliffe INEOS to cut costs at a time when the club are facing serious challenges to comply with UEFA and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Others have described the decision as “a serious blow to morale”, while some are supportive of the move.