have reportedly paid a hefty tab so players’ wives and girlfriends could have a big day out despite their crackdown on spending.
It was reported back in March that United minority owner Ratcliffe, who has taken over the club’s football operations, is on a at the club.
Substantial job cuts are expected at Old Trafford with Ratcliffe keen to prioritise investment in the squad and ensure that United do not break spending rules.
Ratcliffe appointed a corporate restructuring firm, Interpath Advisory, to oversee the cost-cutting drive and they started their review two months ago.
Interpath Advisory are examining all areas of the club to see where savings could be made – but it has now emerged via the that United paid for a swanky social at an expensive restaurant for the players’ wives and girlfriends.
The partners of Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw, Antony and Aaron Wan Bissaka were thought to be among the attendees and were seen leaving with Harvey Nichols and Manchester United-branded goody bags.
That decision has angered some members of staff at United after many recently saw their FA Cup final perks reduced due to the cost-cutting drive.
‘It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth,’ one anonymous worker at United told the Daily Mail.
‘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.’
Meanwhile, United are reportedly open to selling of their first-team players in the summer transfer window.
United face a massive summer with Erik ten Hag’s future as manager also in huge doubt.
The club’s finances are set to take a significant hit if they miss out on qualifying for next season’s Champions League, which looks likely at this stage.
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