Manchester United staff have reportedly been left shocked by the club’s decision to part ways with long-serving head of team operations Jackie Kay.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe forked out £1billion to acquire 27.7% of United in February 2024, he has taken several controversial steps in an effort to reduce the club’s operational costs.
One of these was the culling of around 250 employees. Outside of the redundancies, Ratcliffe also oversaw a hike in ticket prices and the cancellation of Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2m-a-year ambassadorial contract.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that INEOS are planning on making up to 200 further redundancies in the near future, with the move aimed at freeing up cash for Ruben Amorim to send on bolstering his squad.
Despite record revenues, the Red Devils have lost £300m over the past three years and are treading a thin rope in terms of being compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
According to The Times, United have made the decision to let Kay go as part of INEOS’ restructuring at Old Trafford.
Kay’s impending departure has been described as “brutal”, with many of her colleagues “stunned” by it. Kay has worked at United since 1995.
She initially started as executive assistant to former chief executive David Gill, before taking charge of first-team logistics. She worked in this capacity for more than 10 years.
Kay was then promoted to head of team operations in October 2023, just a few months before Ratcliffe completed his partial investment in the club.
The Times add about Kay, “[She] was a hugely popular figure with the players as well as a succession of managers. One insider described Kay as ‘the oil in the machine’, the conduit beyond the manager and the players.”
“The terms of Kay’s departure have yet to be agreed, but she was informed last week of a decision that is part of a wider performance overhaul under the guidance of the Ineos head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, and the technical director, Jason Wilcox. Staff were said to be ‘upset’ by the decision, making the point that Kay had ‘given her life to the club.’”
Former United defender Ashley Young previously praised Kay for her contributions at the training ground.
Young said [via Daily Mail], “She’s just brilliant. She’s like the mum to everyone. If there are any problems or there is anything we need sorting out it’s a case of ‘Jackie can you do this’, ‘Jackie can you help with this.’”
“I’m sure there are times when she looks at her phone when it’s ringing and she must think “no, I’m not answering”. But she’s always there for you.”
United are back in action on Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the capital.
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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!
