An employee who was considered to be “the mum to everyone” was terminated from their position at Manchester United as part of additional cost-cutting measures that were implemented by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Following the acquisition of a 27 percent stake for a sum of one billion pounds and the assumption of control of operations at United in February 2024, INEOS, which is led by Ratcliffe, has caused a significant amount of controversy by making a number of controversial decisions in an effort to free up funds.
During the previous season, Ratcliffe received a significant amount of criticism for charging staff members £20 for coach travel to the FA Cup final. The club’s captain Bruno Fernandes offered to pay for everything out of his own pocket, but the club declined his offer.
The reduction of ambassadorial salaries and the termination of a long-standing arrangement with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, which was worth 2.16 million pounds, are two additional controversial issues. Ticket prices have been significantly increased, which has sparked massive protests.
According to talkSPORT, 250 employees were forced out of their jobs during the summer, and additional workers are expected to be let go in the near future.
Furthermore, as reported by The Times, one of the most well-liked employees at the club has been informed that she will be terminated from her position.
Since 1995, Jackie Kay has been employed by the Red Devils. Prior to being relieved of her duties, she served as the executive assistant to CEO David Gill, was in charge of first team logistics at the Carrington training ground, and was the head of team operations.
Even though it has been stated that the decision is not connected to any recent layoffs and is instead a part of a “wider performance overhaul,” Kay was informed of her “brutal” departure last week, and the staff stated that they were “upset” by the distressing news.
Kay was regarded as the “oil in the machine” by a large number of players and coaches who were employed by United. Ashley Young, who was a member of the team, spoke highly of her and remarked on how she would go above and beyond.
“She is just brilliant,” Young said, referring to the player who played 261 times for United. To everyone, she is exactly like a mother. “Jackie, are you able to do this?” or “Jackie, are you able to assist with this?” is the question that needs to be asked in the event that there are any issues or matters that need to be resolved.
There are probably times when she looks at her phone while it is ringing, and she must be thinking, ‘No, I’m not answering.’ I’m sure she does this. In spite of this, she is always there for you.
Ratcliffe argues in favor of “difficult” conclusions.
After becoming a minority shareholder in United, it is believed that Ratcliffe has made an investment of approximately 241 million pounds in the company. The majority of that sum is being allocated to the renovation of the club’s training ground; however, funds are also required for the possibility of redeveloping Old Trafford or building an entirely new stadium.
This is in addition to the fact that United is required to adhere to the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) that are imposed by the Premier League. In an interview that took place in December with the United We Stand fanzine, Ratcliffe defended the ongoing cost-cutting activities.
“To get Manchester United to where we need to get it – it’s a bit like the country,” he explained to reporters.
We have to make some decisions that are not only challenging but also unpopular.
“If you shy away from the difficult decisions then nothing much is going to change.”
