Manchester United have limited CEO Omar Berrada to being able to sign-off on payments of £25,000 or below.
One of part-owners Ineos’ greatest problems is the level of debt at the club and United’s major challenge of staying within PSR restrictions.
As a result, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has felt the need to introduce numerous cost-cutting measures across the club.
One of the most controversial was the sacking of 250 staff members to reduce the number of people on a bloated workforce.
The Red Devils have also faced major scrutiny for their decision to raise matchday ticket prices and to also reduce staff bonuses.
It seems that not even Omar Berrada, the CEO of the club is safe from Ineos’ cost-cutting measures.
The Athletic report that “Ratcliffe’s tight grip on outgoings extends to Berrada, whose sign-off only goes up to £25,000.”
“Payments above that figure must be approved by Roger Bell, the chief financial officer who spent 24 years in the same position at INEOS before joining United, or Rob Nevin, the chairman of INEOS Sport, who is also now a director on United’s board.”
This has also led to discussions on where Ineos can further cut what they consider excess fat from their outgoings.
They have debated the possibility of reducing funding for the former United players association (AFMUP) which stands at £26,000 per year.
“A cut to the allowance for United’s disabled supporters group (MUDSA) has also been explored. Sign-off is required on canteen orders as well, such as when carrots are bought in bulk. Beans have run out in the press suite.”
Whilst Berrada will understand the need to cut waste in order to maximise the club’s ability to spend on the pitch, it is not certain how such an experienced, successful professional would take being so clearly untrusted in how to spend the club’s money.
Nonetheless, it has been reported that Berrada and Ratcliffe enjoy a positive working relationship and that Ineos have been impressed by their new hire. Supporters will be hoping this remains true and there can be the stability that the club currently craves after a tornado of change over the last 12 months.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
