Manchester United’s struggles on the pitch have been plain for all to see. Ruben Amorim has struggled to get things right, losing 8 games of the 15 he’s been part of since arriving in Manchester.
But their woes extend beyond the turf—behind the scenes, financial troubles have forced drastic measures, with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking steps to tighten the club’s purse strings.
The latest move? Slashing free meals for non-playing staff, a decision that has sparked debate across social media.
In a bid to stem financial losses, Manchester United has scrapped free lunches for staff at both Old Trafford and their training facilities at Carrington.
The once-free hot meals, tea, coffee and even some drinks available at subsidised rates at the stadium’s canteen will be replaced with complimentary fruit, and for bigger meals, the non-playing personnel including coaches and analysts—will now have to settle for soup and bread.
The only exceptions? The players and, presumably, manager Ruben Amorim, who will continue to get their choice of prematch meals or post-training food.
This decision, confirmed at an all-staff meeting by CEO Omar Berrada, is just one part of a wider cost-cutting strategy.
While news headlines suggest that free meals have been completely eliminated, the reality is more nuanced. It’s not that staff members have to pay for their food—it’s that their options have been severely restricted. Gone are the days of a varied menu; now, the choice is effectively non-existent.
This change, expected to save the club around £1 million, comes amidst broader financial concerns. United reported a loss of £27.7 million in their latest financial quarter and has seen its debt climb as well.
The removal of free hot meals could have unintended consequences, especially with United already in the process of downsizing its workforce.
Since INEOS’ arrival, nearly 450 staff members have been made redundant—around 39% of the club’s workforce. Now, with further job cuts on the horizon, morale could take another hit, and the lack of basic perks like meals might push more staff towards the exit door.
But for many, the optics of cutting staff meals while continuing to pay hefty wages to underperforming stars make the decision a hard sell. Putting it in comparison, the 1 million pounds being saved thanks to this decision will only go as far as covering Casemiro’s wages for three weeks.
It’s these comparisons that have put off certain sections of United and football fans on social media.
“The elephant in the room is actually player wages, but they refuse to address it,” said one passionate fan. “They could cute half out players wages and make that in a week. You know, half these players that players that are on 250k+ a week. Make it make sense,” added another fan.
While there is a section of fans that believe there’s no harm being done in doing away with lavish spreads for the staff, as they still continue to receive free food at the end of the day.
“They are still getting free soup and sandwiches every day.” While another user commented, “Sorry, what’s the problem here? Free lunches at your place of employment? 95% of workplaces don’t have this.”
For now, the decision seems to be set in stone. While players dine as usual, the rest of United’s workforce will have to make do with a pared-down menu.
