Manchester United is facing another wave of job cuts, and the atmosphere behind the scenes is growing tense.
As the club undergoes another round of layoffs under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, reports suggest that some staff members have become wary of an Ineos official they believe is keeping a close eye on them.
More Job Cuts on the Horizon
It was confirmed this week that another 200 employees are set to lose their jobs, with affected staff expected to learn their fate in April.
This follows an initial round of 250 redundancies last year, signaling a significant restructuring effort under the new ownership.
The club has justified these cuts as part of a plan to improve financial sustainability, with the goal of returning to profitability after five years of losses.
The latest layoffs are framed as a necessary step to secure long-term success on the field.
The ‘Spy’ Allegations
As tensions rise, reports indicate that some Man United employees have started referring to an Ineos representative as a “spy.”
According to The Telegraph, staff have become “extra vigilant” about their conversations when he is present.
That individual is said to be Josh Thompson, a manager at Ineos who has been described as the company’s “eyes and ears” at United’s Carrington training complex.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Thompson is seen as a key figure in Ratcliffe’s leadership group, working closely with Sir Dave Brailsford.
Josh Thompson’s Role and Background
Thompson has been labeled as Brailsford’s “junior right-hand man” and effectively serves as his personal assistant, handling his schedule and other key responsibilities.
His presence has sparked skepticism among some staff, with accusations of nepotism due to his family connections.
His father, David Thompson, is the chief executive of Ineos Olefins and Polymers Asia and previously served as president of FC Lausanne-Sport, another football club under Ineos ownership.
Josh himself had a brief stint at Lausanne-Sport in 2018 as a social media and marketing assistant.
Despite the criticism, some colleagues reportedly see him as a “nice guy” and “personable,” though his role remains a topic of debate within the club.
A Growing Ineos Influence
Thompson isn’t the only Ineos executive making his presence felt. Reports from Mail Sport suggest that Brailsford has been more actively involved at Carrington, temporarily relocating from Monaco.
He has been a key figure in the £50 million redevelopment of the training ground, a project that has put additional pressure on the club’s existing workforce.
Staff reportedly feel unsettled by the growing influence of Ineos officials, especially with the looming job cuts.
The latest restructuring aims to create a “more solid financial platform,” but it has also added to the uncertainty among employees.
Official Statement from Manchester United
On Monday, Manchester United officially confirmed the latest round of redundancies.
The club stated that the restructuring is essential for financial stability and future investment in both men’s and women’s football.
A statement from the club read:
“Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.
The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019.
This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”
United’s CEO Omar Berrada added:
“We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures that will transform and renew the club.
Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies, and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues.
However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing.”
What’s Next for Man United?
As the club moves forward with its restructuring, the full impact of these changes remains to be seen.
With Ratcliffe and Ineos pushing for a leaner, more financially stable operation, it’s clear that the transition won’t be smooth for everyone involved.
Staff morale is already strained, and the growing influence of Ineos figures like Thompson and Brailsford is causing friction.
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming redundancies and how they will shape the future of one of the world’s biggest football clubs.