Manchester United has always been a club where history and tradition meet ambition. However, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership, a wave of cost-cutting measures has sparked heated debates among fans and staff. While saving every penny may seem like a prudent business strategy, the fallout from these decisions is creating ripples of discontent that could tarnish the club’s image.

One of the most contentious changes has been the axing of bonuses previously paid to matchday stewards. For years, these bonuses served as a small but meaningful token of appreciation for the staff who ensure matchdays run smoothly. Under the old scheme, stewards received £100 for every 10 games worked and an additional £50 if they were named “Steward of the Week.” This recognition was not just about money; it was a gesture that highlighted their value within the Manchester United family.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to eliminate these bonuses has left many stewards feeling undervalued and frustrated. Frank Robinson, a 67-year-old steward who dedicated 24 years of his life to Old Trafford, resigned in protest last year. “It feels petty for a football club of this size to pinch pennies from those at the bottom,” he remarked. Robinson is not alone—many other long-serving staff have followed suit, unwilling to continue under conditions they see as dismissive of their contributions.

Adding fuel to the fire is the club’s increased reliance on agency staff to replace departing stewards. While agency workers may save the club on training and uniform expenses, critics argue that the lack of experience among these new hires compromises the quality of service on matchdays. Experienced stewards, some of whom worked for decades, had a deep understanding of the stadium, its operations, and its fans.

The shift to agency staff has also raised concerns about safety and fan experience. Robinson pointed out that older stewards, some in their 70s, were assigned to less desirable areas of the stadium, seemingly to encourage their resignation. “They’re putting them in positions they know they won’t like,” he said, suggesting the move was a deliberate effort to phase out permanent staff.

For many of these stewards, the club was more than just a workplace; it was a second home. The sudden loss of incentives and the apparent push to replace them with less experienced workers have left a sour taste in the mouths of those who spent years building their lives around Manchester United.