Previous FA Cup finals, including last year’s defeat against City, saw all 1,100 United staff receive free tickets, with senior staff and directors able to bring friends and family. The deal also included travel to and from Wembley, a pre-match party, post-match lunch, and hotel accommodation in London.
However, INEOS is now set to change this, with staff receiving only one free ticket to the upcoming showdown with City. This limit also applies to senior staff and directors.
Individuals are now required to pay £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley, with a one-way ticket costing £10. It is reported that all other benefits have been removed.
Some insiders view this as an austerity-driven cost-cutting measure from Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues, as he has been concerned about the club’s expenditure since arriving. Ratcliffe is determined to keep United within profit and sustainability limits, as seen in an email to staff discussing the need to invest as much money as possible to ensure the club returns to the elite of European and world football.
The alleged email reads: “There is still hard work ahead over the coming weeks, but I know everyone at the club is completely focused on delivering the performances and results expected of Manchester United and finding ways to win in whatever role you do. In recognition of your ongoing support this season, we will organize a colleague trip to Wembley for the final on 25 May.”
Nevertheless, Ratcliffe aims to appoint Dan Ashworth as part of a restructuring of the Old Trafford hierarchy, despite Ashworth’s current arbitration with Newcastle.