Manchester United have issued a statement explaining the recent offer of a ‘redundancy’ package to staff if they tender their resignation before next Wednesday.
Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s guidance, the club reportedly sent around a blanket email last Friday to those working throughout the administration offering early payment of an annual bonus to anyone who doesn’t wish to return to United’s offices as the new co-owner aims to end working from home (WFH).
As per The Athletic, the new minority shareholder – who controls a 27.7% stake since his partial takeover in December 2023 – has issued a directive that staff must return to the office from 1 June, giving them a deadline of 12 noon on 5 June to decide whether they want to remain or not.
Following the apparent resignation terms, a club spokesperson has since qualified that while the offer was indeed sent en masse to existing staff, it is “isn’t a voluntary redundancy programme” and is simply offering those who don’t want to “work from the office full time” with an alternative.
🚨 United have made it compulsory to work from their offices in Manchester or London from 1 June. Staff have been offered early payment of an annual bonus if they resign by next Wednesday, as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s edict to get all employees into the club’s offices and his… pic.twitter.com/e8IDR8G8Sk
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) May 28, 2024
According to the representative, the package is there to “provide options for staff who don’t wish to return to the office to step away now”, with the outlet adding that the offer is also available to those who already work exclusively in-office but would like to leave with a payout.
This comes after Ratcliffe recently noted the lack of email traffic and queries being answered since WFH was made available following the pandemic, which came not long after he took aim at the untidiness around the club, labelling the state of several facilities as a “disgrace”.
The regular and potentially substantial bonus for many is still due in September but the idea seems to be to streamline United’s workforce as part of INEOS overhaul of the club’s financial strategy. The footballing giants have offices both here in Manchester and London.
As per multiple sources, the email reads: “To ensure we have enough space for colleagues to work safely, we will convert the Trinity Club, the Knights Lounge and the 1999 Suite in East Stand into office space. This is in addition to existing facilities in the Engine Room and elsewhere across the stadium…
“The London office will be reconfigured to allow additional space for teams. Some teams will also be based at the Ineos office at Hans Crescent in Knightsbridge.”
For balance, for many years, people at United have said the workforce is bloated, questioned what some colleagues do. But worth remembering many people do that with colleagues at lots of organisations, kinda familiar conversation at large companies.
Ratcliffe is yet to fully install his new executive team as part of the rebuild, with CEO Omar Berrada having been appointed but not taking up his post until July, and Dan Ashworth still waiting to be dismissed by Newcastle United as he looks set to join the Red Devils.
As for on the touchline, Erik ten Hag’s future remains undecided after talk that he will be sacked following the FA Cup final, with the likes of Ipswich manager, the 23/24 LMA Manager of the Year and former United youth coach Kieran McKenna having already held meetings with the club.
However, given the manner in which the Dutchman’s side won the historic fixture, beating rivals Man City with one of their best performances of the season, he could very well be given a restoration of faith.
Either way, there’s a lot of movement going on at Old Trafford and it remains to be seen how many staff will take United up on their resignation offer.
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
30th May 2024 
