Ruben Amorim has reportedly offered to cover the expenses for 30 Manchester United staff members and their families to attend the upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao.
This gesture is seen as an effort to lift spirits among the club`s support staff following a challenging period over the past six months since Amorim took charge at Old Trafford.
United staff, including coaches, physios, and other backroom personnel, were initially informed that the club would not fund tickets or travel for their family members to attend the match. However, the Red Devils manager has taken it upon himself to personally finance this trip as a way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication throughout his time at the club.
Amorim is keen to ensure that each of these staff members can bring up to two family members or friends with them to the final.
This contrasts with the club`s broader policy, where the hierarchy has reportedly limited players to just two guest tickets each, with the club not covering travel costs to and from Spain for guests.
The final carries additional significance for staff members, as many are already facing uncertainty. Between 150 and 200 employees are reportedly at risk as part of an ongoing redundancy process, following 250 job cuts implemented last summer.
Furthermore, a defeat to Tottenham would have significant financial repercussions for United, potentially costing the club at least £100 million in revenue due to failure to qualify for the Champions League and missing out on any European football altogether. Staff, already reeling from the previous cuts under the new Ineos part-ownership, are understandably apprehensive about further negative news should United lose in Bilbao.
People say the environment is horrible to work in. Everyone is dispirited and looking over their shoulder.
There’s no enthusiasm. I can’t imagine what it would be like if they don’t beat Spurs.
Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously indicated that job cuts and ticket price increases were necessary decisions made by him and majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer. Ratcliffe asserted that without these measures, the club risked running out of money by the end of 2025 and breaching financial sustainability rules, citing £300 million in losses incurred over the past three years.
The latest round of redundancies was announced in February, described as essential regardless of the season`s outcome. While many staff members in various departments have been informed about their potential redundancy, those on the football performance side, such as coaching and scouting staff, will only learn their fate after the season concludes. This staggered approach is believed to contribute to the wide range of numbers cited for the proposed cuts.
However, questions are being raised about the necessity and wisdom of further reductions. Following the 2023-24 season, United had 1,140 employees. Previous redundancies had brought this number down to 890, and the current process could potentially leave the club with as few as 700 staff members. According to 2024 figures, only Manchester City had fewer employees (611), although this comparison is complex due to how much of City`s operations are managed by the broader City Football Group structure.
