Man Utd turned down Bruno Fernandes’ offer. (Image: GETTY)
was so stunned by staff being stripped of their usual perks at May’s final that he told the club’s hierarchy he would cover the cost, according to reports. The Red Devils captain displayed why he was a club-wide popular figure amid relentless cost-cutting measures this year.
has wasted no time in his attempts to balance the books at Old Trafford since completing a £1.3billion deal for a 27.7 per cent stake in February.
The Ineos founder’s stake increased to 28.9 per cent last week after he invested the final chunk of an initially pledged £238m into the club’s infrastructure.
Ratcliffe’s budget blasting methods have involved multiple cutbacks, including 250 members of the workforce across all departments being made redundant.
Treatment of remaining staff heightened the overwhelmingly negative build-up – centred on ‘s uncertain future – to United’s shock FA Cup triumph over .
Employees were used to receiving the benefits of free tickets, travel, food, and accommodation when United played at Wembley Stadium.
However, this year, the same individuals had to pay £20 for a coach trip to Wembley and were solely given a match ticket.
According to , that didn’t go down well with Fernandes, who took it up with club chiefs and offered to pay for the traditional benefits out of his own wage slip.
Bruno Fernandes offered to cover the cost. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The 30-year-old captain’s approach was rejected, though, reportedly because United’s new regime thought it would’ve been a bad look.
It’s claimed there was later disappointment among staff when the club paid for an end-of-season meal for players’ partners at San Carlo.
Several of the wives and girlfriends were spotted carrying Harvey Nichols bags as they left, likely containing gifts from United.
The report adds that, in response to the dismay, United insist that player care, including their families, is a priority.
Some aspects of Ratcliffe and Ineos’ stewardship have been well-received by staff.
The 72-year-old and Ineos director of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, introduced themselves at an all-staff meeting at Old Trafford at the start of the year, something the Glazers have never done.
Their direct address, where they laid out their determination to raise standards and focus on sporting achievement, reportedly galvanised the workforce.
Sentiment has unsurprisingly changed across the months that have followed, though, and chief executive Omar Berrada is said to have warned 2025 could be just as turbulent.