Bruno Fernandes 'taken aback' by Jim Ratcliffe's Man Utd decision

Bruno Fernandes was "taken aback" by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision to slash benefits for club staff as part of a sweeping cost-cutting regime.

Ratcliffe, who became the controlling co-owner of Manchester United a year ago, has introduced several controversial measures at Old Trafford.

His actions have included laying off approximately 250 staff, revoking credit card privileges, and terminating ambassadorial contracts, including those of club legends like Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite these drastic cuts, United has continued to spend significantly on football-related matters, with over £200 million spent in the summer transfer window.

The club also paid compensation fees following the dismissals of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.

One particularly contentious decision came ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May.

Staff were informed that traditional perks such as free tickets, travel, food, and accommodation would no longer be provided.

Instead, employees were required to pay £20 for a coach trip to Wembley and were only given a match ticket.

According to The Athletic, this move left Fernandes "taken aback."

The Mirror reports that the midfielder approached club executives, offering to personally cover the costs of the usual extras for staff, but his offer was declined as the new management held firm on their policy.

Fernandes played the full 90 minutes in the FA Cup final, a rare high point in what has been a turbulent period under Ratcliffe's stewardship.

The billionaire remains steadfast in defending his measures, insisting they are necessary to restore Manchester United's status as a footballing powerhouse.

"Manchester United has become mediocre," Ratcliffe told United We Stand magazine.

"It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change.

"I know we get criticism in the press, but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure."

Ratcliffe added: "We can't run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years.

"If you are losing money, you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually, that becomes unsustainable.

"I don't want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can't afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing.

"We need to find a balance—and you can't be popular all the time either. I don't think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham."