Manchester United have been criticised after paying for a swanky social at a top restaurant for the players’ WAGS – 24 hours after they cancelled FA Cup Final perks for the rank and file.
In a tradition thought to date back to Sir Matt Busby, Old Trafford staffers would be handed free tickets plus travel to and from Wembley, a pre-match lunch, after-match party and accommodation in the capital.
Senior staff and directors were also allowed to take friends and family.
However, in a decision taken by new investors Ineos, workers were told they would only receive one ticket and would have to pay £20 for a coach to the stadium for their derby under the arch with Manchester City, with all other benefits axed.
An email sent on Thursday outlining the changes did not go down well with sections of staff, and some have now been left further agitated after learning that 24 hours after the message was sent the other halves of the United’s highly-paid stars were out for lunch – with the club picking up the tab.
‘It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth,’ one worker, who did not wish to be named, claimed.
‘The trip to Wembley has been a tradition that staff have enjoyed for years and years. It’s like a thank you for the work that we do and it means that when the team does well we all get rewarded.
'Clearly they are cutting costs but to see that less than a day later the WAGS are out on the town with the club paying the bill is a bit rich.’
United insiders, however, have dismissed the disgruntlement.
They point out United has what it believes is the best player care department in the top-flight which plays a vital role in ensuring that the most important people at the club – the footballers – are looked after and in a happy environment.
Indeed, the event is thought to have been one of a number of socials which are on the annual calendar.
The view is that the happiness of the players’ families is vital and that building relationships helps new arrivals settle and reduces the risk of unhappiness, and of expensive acquisitions wanting to leave the club.
It is thought that United’s need to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules impacted on the Wembley decision.
Since the arrival of Ineos certain areas have seen a crackdown on spending, including a move to cancel credit cards for senior execs as part of a review.
United, who have around 1,100 staff, are also wary of taking tickets out of the allocation for the club’s supporters, with 30,000 tickets available for 55,000 season ticket holders.
Across town, Manchester City will provide free tickets and coach travel for each member of staff should they wish to attend the May 25 clash.
Workers are also allowed to buy a ticket and a place on the coach for a family member or friend.