'Very petty' - Man Utd slammed after introducing more cost-cutting measures as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is accused of 'pinching off people at the bottom of the ladder'

Since taking operational control with a 25% stake in the club, Ratcliffe has initiated significant reductions in outgoings to channel more funds into improving the playing squad. However, these moves have sparked backlash, particularly after the decision to eliminate bonuses for stewards—some of the club’s lowest-paid employees.

Stewards, who play a crucial role in ensuring matchday safety and fan experience, previously received a £100 attendance bonus for every 10 matches worked. Additionally, a "Steward of the Week" was awarded £50 for exceptional service. According to iNews, both bonuses have been discontinued this season, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among staff.

The changes have prompted many stewards to leave the club. Frank Robinson, a former steward with 24 years of experience at Old Trafford, shared his frustration, describing the move as a step too far.

“A lot of stewards are leaving since Ratcliffe came in,” he told iNews.

“Up until last year they used to get an attendance bonus. Every 10 matches we did, we got a £100 bonus. Now they said you’re not having that. So they stopped that completely. For many years you’d have a steward of the week, someone nominated or fans wrote in and said how well this steward had done. You got £50 for that. Now they still have steward of the week, but they have no award. It’s very petty for a football club. You’re pinching off people at the bottom of the ladder.”

Robinson also highlighted the increasing use of agency staff to replace seasoned stewards, which has further eroded morale.

“Supervisors and stewards who’ve been at United for years are packing it in,” Robinson said.

“Some stewards in their 70s, they’re putting them into the top tier of the North Stand because they know they won’t like it and they’ll leave. They can bring more agency staff in. They’re trying to force them out. They are getting rid of stewards and replacing them with untrained, unqualified agency staff. There’s no overheads with agency staff, no training, no uniforms, nobody having to work wages and holiday out.”

Once a symbol of gratitude, the club previously awarded long-serving stewards with engraved watches, often presented by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. These timepieces, valued at over £1,000, were a cherished acknowledgement of loyalty and dedication. Now, such traditions have disappeared.

The elimination of bonuses is part of a broader wave of austerity measures introduced under Ratcliffe’s management. The club has already made 250 redundancies and cancelled FA Cup final perks for staff. Reports suggest further cuts are under consideration, including halving funds allocated to the disabled supporters' association. For a club synonymous with heritage and community, the erosion of traditions and the treatment of its lowest-paid workers stand in stark contrast to the values it once championed. As Ratcliffe’s era continues, fans and staff alike will be watching closely to see whether the balance between financial prudence and preserving Manchester United’s soul can be restored.