The feeling of fear around the Theater of Dreams that Manchester United will make 250 staff redundant

In the vast concourse behind Old Trafford’s East Stand, groups of tourists pose for selfies. A few clutch shopping bags full of merchandise from the Manchester United megastore.

It’s a joyous scene and an unusual sight at the home of one of the biggest football clubs in the world. However, in the offices and buildings around the famous old stadium, hundreds of people worry if their jobs are at risk.

United staff were told this morning that the club will make 250 redundant, cutting its workforce by almost a quarter. The worrying announcement followed a cost-cutting review instigated by United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who secured a minority stake in February.

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As workers went about their business in the shadow of the Theater of Dreams this afternoon, the mood was somber. Ground staff carried goalposts while security staff greeted tourists at the entrance to the club’s museum.

At first glance, everything seemed fine, but beneath the surface there remained a sense of anxiety and dread. A United employee said he learned of the layoffs by email, but said the club had not specified which areas would be affected by the job losses.

“Maybe there is a surplus of staff, but 250 seems excessive,” he added. “It feels like flicking the fingers at the lower rod.

“If you need to save money, maybe look at the dividends the owners are taking out.”

Others were reluctant to talk about the job cuts, but one described the atmosphere around Old Trafford after the announcement as “not good”.

According to the club’s latest accounts, United had 1,112 staff on the monthly payroll – an increase of 129 in two years. This is the most number of employees in the Premier League.

News of the proposed sackings was passed on to club staff on Wednesday morning. However, employees are left in the dark about whether they will lose their jobs.

One said: “Nobody knows (who will be fired) yet. It’s really sad.”

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos’ £1.25 billion investment in the club was confirmed earlier this year, there has been a significant transformation underway.

Every aspect of the club has been overhauled, with United insisting it needs “significant transformation” to deal with new regulations and financial challenges as costs continue to rise each year. While the structure of football was also redesigned, Ratcliffe was determined to cut costs, ending some employee perks, particularly around the FA Cup final.

In May, Ratcliffe informed non-playing staff that hybrid home and office working arrangements would be phased out from 1 June. -home culture, but the decision to part with so many employees is driven by attempts to become financially leaner.

As part of the layoff plans, Ineos has identified savings and activities it describes as “non-essential” which can be shut down, reducing the workforce to meet the priorities set by Ratcliffe.

The current plan is for 250 roles to remain, with a formal process to begin proposing redundancies and a consultation underway. All departments are included, but there will be no redundancies at the foundation arm of the club.

Sources insist alternatives to such a widespread redundancy program were considered, but it was felt they would only have short-term effects, with Ineos determined to establish a sustainable cost-cutting solution.

United have been contacted for comment.