Sir Jim Ratcliffe Angers Man Utd Staff With Brutal Europa League Final Decision
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Angers Man Utd Staff With Brutal Europa League Final Decision
Manchester United are having a dismal campaign, but they could still end it with silverware after reaching the Europa League final.
In complete contrast to their domestic form, the Red Devils have been very impressive in Europe. They’ve played 14 games in the competition this season and are yet to be beaten, having won nine and drawn five. Among the teams that have been swept aside on their route to the final include Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Bilbao.
With little to play for in the Premier League, United are focusing on their preparation for the final in Bilbao, which they will contest against English rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday May 21. The Daily Mail have now revealed that staff at the club have been left fuming by a decision made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe ahead of the final.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Makes Brutal Decision Ahead of Europa League Final
United staff are angry
Ratcliffe has angered United staff numerous times with cost-cutting measures since he joined the club, and he’s sparked yet more anger ahead of the Europa League final later this month.
It emerged earlier this week that Paris Saint-Germain had decided to pay for tickets and travel for all 600 staff to their Champions League final with Inter Milan in Munich. It was also reported that Inter Milan are providing free tickets to their staff.
Tottenham Hotspur, like Inter, have also offered each of their 700 employees a complimentary ticket to the Europa League final in Bilbao. United, however, have adopted a different approach, as they have chosen not to hand any free tickets out to their staff.
Instead, the Red Devils are holding a ballot with a limited number of tickets available for their staff. They are also hosting a screening in Manchester with the invite open to plus-ones. It is understood the member of staff will be given two free drinks, while their guests will have to pay for theirs.
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching on from the stands
United have been given an allocation of 15,000 for the game and they have made the decision to prioritise supporters over staff. With tickets in such high demand, they have made the decision as they believe fans would have been left disappointed should such a percentage of those available gone to those who work for the club rather than match-goers.
The whole ticket situation is believed to have triggered anger among some. Fans on Reddit are also sympthasing with the disappointed United staff members. One fan wrote: ‘Man this is just comically evil at this point, while another said: ”What a joke and insult to the staff’. The decision has also been slammed as ‘pathetic’ by one supporter, while another called it ‘shameful’.