“Significant transformation…” – Manchester United chief releases statement on controversial decision

Manchester United are in the middle of making around 250 of their workforce redundant following INEOS’ internal review of the club.

The Reds have had the largest workforce of any Premier League club in recent years, but that is set to change after it was announced last month that around a quarter of the workforce will leave.

Ranging from Old Trafford employees to those in management positions, cuts have been made across the board by INEOS, who identified that “significant transformation” was required.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group took charge at United in February and have made significant changes in terms of the personnel at the top of the club.

Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have all come into crucial positions. However, the decision to strip back the entire workforce has caused some controversy.

Speaking at the latest fans’ forum, United’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, said: “There will be other departures too as we continue to restructure the club to ensure we have the right people in the right roles for long-term success.

“Significant transformation is required to meet the challenges we face to be successful on and off the pitch. We believe greater efficiency can lead to better outcomes.

“The cost review has identified “non-essential” activities we can stop, and we therefore believe we have more people than we need to deliver future club priorities.

“We are proposing a club-wide redundancy programme, which we believe will reduce headcount by 250 roles. There is now a formal consultation under way with colleagues, so I can’t say any more about the process until that is completed.

“But we have not taken this decision lightly and would not be doing it if we didn’t feel it was necessary for the long-term health and success of the club.”

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