Man United release statement announcing transformation plan claiming ‘this cannot continue'

Manchester United have issued a statement confirming "additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency".

Since acquiring a 27 per cent stake for £1 billion and taking control of operations at United, INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have proved incredibly unpopular with fans for a number of cost-cutting measures.

Huge increases in ticket prices, the cutting of ambassadorial salaries and charity funding as well as the ending a long-standing £2.16 million arrangement with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson are some of the decisions taken.

250 members of staff were made redundant in the summer but in a statement on their official website, the club have said they expect a further 150-200 jobs to be removed and will follow "a consultation process with employees".

United say the decision has been taken in a bid to end five consecutive years of losses and return to profit, while putting all Red Devils teams "in the strongest position to win".

Man United CEO explains decision

Omar Berrada, the club's CEO, said: “We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men’s, women’s and academy teams. We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club. Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing.

“We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.

“At the end of this process, we will have a more lean, agile and financially sustainable football club, while continuing to provide a world class service to our valuable commercial partners. We will then be in a much stronger position to invest in football success and improved facilities for fans, while remaining compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.”

Manchester United expect as many as 200 jobs to be cut. Image: Getty

Jackie Kay, one of the most popular workers at the club, is expected to be one of the members of staff let go.

A report from The Times said staff "were left "upset" by the news that Kay, who has been with United in multiple departments since 1995, was surplus to requirements.

The news comes after a report claimed United had cancelled free lunches at the Old Trafford staff canteen in the hope of saving £1 million.

As per The Guardian, fruit will be served instead in a move which is similar to one taken at Carrington, where staff outside of first-team players are now only allowed soup and sandwiches.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Mark Goldbridge branded United "disgusting" and "morally bankrupt".