Manchester United have reportedly informed their club ambassadors, including legendary club captain Bryan Robson, that their salaries will be slashed as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ cost-cutting measures.
Since taking operational control of United in February last year, Ratcliffe has implemented a raft of changes in a bid to reduce costs and channel more funds into improving the men’s first team.
Some of the measures put in place by Ratcliffe include making 250 employees redundant and cancelling FA Cup final perks for staff.
The petrochemicals billionaire also halved funds allocated to the disabled supporters’ association and eliminated bonuses for stewards, who represent some of United’s lowest-paid workers.
INEOS also cancelled Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative £2m-per-year ambassadorial contract.
Now, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook reveals that the budget cuts have been extended to touch some of the club’s greatest-ever players.
According to Crook, “Manchester United have told club ambassadors, including legendary captain Bryan Robson they will have their salaries slashed, talkSPORT understands.”
“As well as Robson, 1999 treble winning legends Denis Irwin and Andy Cole are also among those who will have their earnings reduced in the latest round of cost-cutting – a move driven by new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.”
“talkSPORT has been told the fee for matchday ambassadorial duties can range from £500 to £1,000 and many of the ex-players involved rely on the money, having missed out on big wages in their playing days.”
“Sources close to United declined to comment on contractual arrangements with their ambassadors and legends.”
Robson has served as an official Global Ambassador for United since 2011. His duties include making appearances at events around the club to promote the club.
Irwin and Cole hold similar positions.
It’s understood that United believe these “brutal cuts” are necessary to ensure the Red Devils remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
