Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has reportedly fired an email warning to staff stating that leaking club information will be considered “gross misconduct”, which could cost them their jobs.
Details of the ongoing changes behind closed doors since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner last February have relentlessly entered the public domain.
However, Ineos have put their put down and are taking extra measures to ensure less information about the mammoth rebuild project at Old Trafford leaks out.
According to The Telegraph, Berrada issued a 580-word message to the club’s workforce earlier this week following fresh reports of another wave of redundancies on the horizon.
Other information that has been aired against United’s wishes includes Ratcliffe slashing employee perks and the extent of his ‘zero-based budgeting’ to save pennies.
A section of Berrada’s email read: “Anyone disclosing information outside of the club is breaching their obligations of confidentiality, and we are very clear that this will be considered gross misconduct.”
Under government guidelines, workplaces can immediately terminate employment for gross misconduct if they follow the correct procedures.
In another snippet, Berrada wrote: “To protect the club and its colleagues, additional measures are being put in place to prevent future breaches of confidentiality and also identify any persons responsible.”
The United CEO also noted that he was aware that any approaches for information would come through WhatsApp, phone calls, texts, and social media.
He added: “Journalists are extremely well-versed in gathering information from multiple sources.”
Berrada, who joined from rivals Manchester City shortly after Ratcliffe completed his investment, reportedly insisted that he understood the impact job cuts will be having on the workforce.
But he stressed that staff must report any advances from external sources to discuss club issues to higher-ups from now on.
The report adds that United will hold an all-staff meeting on Monday – thought to be scheduled for around 3.30pm – to outline upcoming plans.
Around 250 employees have lost their jobs as part of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures over the last year. It’s believed that up to 200 more could be laid off in the coming months.
United figures have reportedly repeated that they are making such ruthless changes with the objective of returning the glory days to Old Trafford.
The message is said to have been that “transformation is required on and off the pitch.”
INEOS are starting from the bottom at United, with the club 15th in the Premier League. There is still hope of silverware this season in the FA Cup and Europa League.
