Latest news with #MarieMarron
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Man Utd to axe 200 jobs today as morale hits rock bottom
Manchester United staff will discover on Friday if they have lost their jobs in the latest round of brutal cost cutting at Old Trafford. Around 250 jobs were shed last summer during the first wave of redundancies and now up to 200 more staff are set to be axed as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ruthless drive to save money and reduce costs. Staff are braced for swingeing cuts across an array of football and non-football departments, including scouting, analysts and commercial, as United streamline operations. Some staff already know they are going while others are waiting to discover their fate. For example, United's director of scouting Steve Brown is leaving at the end of next month as part of extensive changes to the recruitment strategy. United have already taken steps in recent years to reduce their number of scouts but the existing global network of 80 will be further reduced. Cuts to the analyst departments at senior and youth levels are also anticipated. It emerged earlier this month that United's long-serving employee, Marie Marron, was told she was at risk of redundancy. Marron has been at United for 47 years, initially serving as personal assistant to the then club secretary, Ken Merrett, before becoming a central figure in first-team logistics and a key liaison with Uefa, the Premier League and the Football Association. The mood among staff has been described as being on the floor for much of the past year as they sweat over their own futures and/or watch friends and colleagues depart. The anger and resentment towards the club's ownership among the rank and file was very much evident at a staff screening in Manchester city centre of United's Europa League final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. When Ratcliffe and fellow co-owner Avram Glazer appeared on the screen at the event at Diecast, a warehouse venue in the Ancoats district, boos rang out among the crowd of employees and their families. Hundreds of staff and their loved ones were present. Ratcliffe has claimed the club would have gone 'bust by Christmas' without the severe cost-cutting. United have made losses of £313m in the previous three years and it is reported the club is set to post a third-quarter loss for this season of £40m in the coming weeks based on a consensus of Wall Street analysts. Failure to qualify for the Champions League and United's dire performance in the Premier League are anticipated to cost the club more than £150m in prize money, broadcast income, gate receipts and penalty payments. United went ahead with a BBQ at the club's Carrington training ground on Thursday night that had been organised for players, first-team staff and their families regardless of the outcome of the Europa League final. More fan protests planned As United prepare to axe more staff, supporters are readying themselves for fresh protests against the club's ownership at Old Trafford for the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday. United will finish in 17th position should they lose to Aston Villa and Tottenham claim at least a point at home to Brighton, which would be their lowest placing since the club was relegated 51 years ago. The 1958 fans' group are calling for supporters to meet at the top of Sir Matt Busby Way at the junction with Chester Road at 3pm, an hour before kick-off, and march down to the stadium forecourt. 'We will start on Sir Matt Busby Way to symbolise the standards that are being decayed and lost, installed by Sir Matt and profoundly precious to all of us,' the 1958 said. 'The club is drowning in over a billion pounds of debt, our fanbase is fractured and divided and our stadium neglected – [all] down to Glazer greed and betrayal. They've taken everything. 'Now, even Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival has come at the cost of hundreds of jobs, further punishing a fanbase already suffering under the Glazers' reign. Lifelong loyal supporters are being driven away from the club they love – priced out and pushed aside. Another dagger in the heart of our footballing community. 'We march. As one fanbase. To make it clear: 20 years on, the fire still burns Red – with fury and defiance. We want the Glazers out of our club.'
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Highly-rated Man United coach to leave the club in search of a new challenge amid fresh round of redundancies under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United have confirmed that one of their highly-rated coaches will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Mail Sport exclusively revealed last month that a fresh round of redundancies are imminent at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to significantly cut the club's workforce for the second time since his partial takeover last February. United's longest-serving employee, football administrator Marie Marron, is expected to depart this summer after 46 years at the club, and now a coach has made the decision to move on. The Red Devils' Under-18s manager Adam Lawrence will be heading for the exit door in search of a new challenge. Lawrence joined United initially as an Under-16s coach in 2021 before being promoted to the Under-18s two years later. He helped develop several young talents in United's academy, including teenage full back Harry Amass, and won three trophies with the team last season. Reflecting on his time at United, Lawrence told the club's website: 'It has been a privilege to work for Manchester United. It has been a very special few years with this group; I've been fortunate to work with many of this season's Under-18s right through from the Under-16s level and witness their growth as people as well as players. 'During the last two years, all the staff across the Professional Development Phase can be very proud of the work we have done to support the players. The style of play, the focus on individual development and the culture of the Academy that we have supported; it has been a real privilege to play my part in helping the group. 'I'm now ready for the next challenge but I'll always cherish the memories made at this great club and can't wait to see what the future holds for the players I've had the pleasure of working with.' Lawrence's exit comes at a time when Ratcliffe is looking to reduce the head count at United by 200. Eight months ago, Ratcliffe let 250 staff go, and is now set to take more drastic action as part of cost-cutting measures at United. Mail Sport revealed on Tuesday that United's players are furious with the club's penny-pinching for next week's Europa League final when it comes to tickets, flights and hotels. Indeed, Ruben Amorim has reportedly paid for 30 of his backroom staff and their families to attend the final out of his own pocket after United refused to hand over free tickets. United fans are expected to be significantly outnumbered by Tottenham fans in Bilbao for next Wednesday's game as both teams aim to rescue their season. United and Spurs currently sit 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League, but the winners of the final will earn a spot in next season's Champions League.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd ‘axe longest-serving worker after 47 years' service' as part of 550 job losses in Ratcliffe's cost-cutting blitz
MANCHESTER UNITED have axed their longest-serving worker after 47 years as part of the latest wave of job losses at the club, according to reports. The club announced in February that up to 200 MORE jobs would be lost as part of a further cost-cutting initiative started last summer , which saw 250 staff made redundant. Advertisement 2 Man Utd are set to sack their longest-serving staff member Credit: Getty 2 It comes as part of the latest wave of job cuts announced in February Credit: PA A statement at the time said the cuts were to help "transform" the "corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club's financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency." However, the decision to make the club's longest-serving employee, Marie Marron, redundant has left staff "shaken" at Old Trafford and Carrington. According to It is a decision which is said to have left her "devastated", having worked for Man Utd since 1978. Advertisement But she travelled ahead of the team, as she always has done, for their Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao in Spain, which Marron originally started out as the personal assistant to the club secretary at the time, Ken Merrett. She eventually became a key figure with first-team logistics, acting as the club liaison to Uefa, the Premier League, the FA and opposing teams before matches. Marron was also the chief co-ordinator for United's historic Treble in 1999 and was one of five staff specially honoured by club sponsors in 2013 for "exceptional dedication and commitment" to the team. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford However, sources are said to have told the Marron's long service to the club is only eclipsed by much-loved receptionist, Kath Phipps, who worked at the club for over 55 years before passing away in December. Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal Man Utd cuts Other long-serving staff members to be given the boot as part of the brutal cuts include Advertisement An Ineos chairman and minority owner, A fresh report from France earlier this week claims the SunSport understands that any potential cash raised from a sale of Nice would fall well short of that needed to fund a full Ineos takeover of Man Utd. Advertisement The petrochemicals company now owns 28.94 per cent of the club after an injection of £79.3m last year, with the much-maligned Glazer family still owning the majority of the shares. With the team on the pitch bringing in the worst season in the club's Premier League history , United are facing a Winning the competition will be worth £50m on its own through Champions League qualification and £25m in gate receipts for four home games in the league phase of the competition. There is also an additional £30m in bonus and prize money if they can reach the last 16, and a £10m bonus they will receive from kit sponsors, Adidas, which is taken away if they do not qualify for Europe 's premier competition. Advertisement Their likely opponents for the final currently look set to be Tottenham, who have a 3-1 advantage following a home win over Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt. Read more on the Irish Sun The second legs of the Europa League clashes take place next Thursday, with Spurs travelling to Bodo's artificial pitch at the Aspmyra Stadion and United taking on Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford. Fans have already been drawing up travel plans, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first year at Man Utd SIR JIM RATCLIFFE'S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 - and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since... December 2023 - Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe's takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford January 2024 - Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 - Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 - Ratcliffe's £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 - Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added March 2024 - Ratcliffe bans words "awesome" and "lukewarm cappuccino" in bizarre move March 2024 - Matt Johnson appointed head of women's football March 2024 - Ratcliffe announces plans to build "Wembley of the North" to replace Old Trafford March 2024 - Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 - down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December April 2024 - Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 - John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 - Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 - Ratcliffe turns Carrington "toxic" after sending email to employees slamming "disgraceful" lack of cleanliness May 2024 - Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof May 2024 - Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 - Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 - Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket May 2024 - Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed May 2024 - Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result June 2024 - Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 - Ratcliffe introduces strict "back to work" policy forcing staff to come into office June 2024 - Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women's team July 2024 - Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation July 2024 - Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026 July 2024 - Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher's role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart. July 2024 - Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 - Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board July 2024 - Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125 July 2024 - Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie August 2024 - Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 - Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet October 2024 - Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson October 2024 - Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 - "Back to work" policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches October 2024 - Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m November 2024 - Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 - Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 - Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 - Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association December 2024 - Ratcliffe admits "mediocre" Man Utd "still in last century" December 2024 - Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66 December 2024 - Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director December 2024 - £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher December 2024 - Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim's press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth December 2024 - Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars December 2024 - SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity
Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Man United shock staff as longest-serving employee faces redundancy
Manchester United staff have been shaken after learning the club have told their longest-serving employee, and their main point of contact with Uefa and the Premier League for match operations, that her job is at risk of redundancy. Marie Marron has been at Old Trafford for 47 years, initially serving as the personal assistant to the club secretary at the time, Ken Merrett, but becoming a key figure in first-team logistics, acting as the liaison with Uefa and the Premier League as well as the FA and opposing teams before matches. She is also the voice of VAR on match days at Old Trafford. Marron was the chief co-ordinator for United's historic Treble in 1999 and was among five long-serving staff who were honoured by the club sponsors in 2013 for their 'exceptional dedication and commitment' to the United team. But in a week when United moved a significant step closer to reaching another major European final with their stunning 3-0 victory in Bilbao, The Times understands the news was broken to Marron in a face-to-face meeting that she was expected to leave at the end of the season. She still travelled ahead of the team, as she always does for European away matches, to Bilbao and will perform the same role should Ruben Amorim's team return there for the Europa League final. But she is understood to be devastated by the news, having been at Old Trafford since 1978. The new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no secret of the need to make significant savings to ease United's financial problems, with widespread redundancies aimed at reducing the club's overall workforce from 1,250 to about 700. In a recent interview with The Times, the British billionaire said the Premier League club needed to make these savings to avoid the risk of 'insolvency'. But Marron's departure would be another that would sadden many staff, with Jackie Kay, the club's head of team operations and someone who had been at United for close to 30 years, also among the many Ineos casualties. Marron became United's longest-serving staff member in December after the death of Kath Phipps, the immensely popular 85-year-old training ground receptionist who had served United for half a century. Phipps was alongside Marron in being recognised by the club's shirt sponsors, Aon, 12 years ago. 'Without the right people, no company or team can achieve the pinnacle of success,' Greg Case, president and chief executive of Aon, said then. 'We understand that our team members are our most valuable investment, and that great talent delivers great results, regardless of your field of expertise. 'These five individuals, all of whom have served Manchester United for more than 30 years and in some cases over 40, represent the exceptional dedication and commitment of the Manchester United team that supports the players on the pitch.'
