Manchester United are reportedly set to lay off their longest-serving employee as part of the ongoing redundancy process overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Red Devils are on a mission to slash their operational budget and free up more cash to spend on Ruben Amorim‘s struggling squad.
Less than a year after making 250 people redundant, a selection of well-respected figures are believed to be caught up in a second wave of sackings. According to The Times, United staff have been ‘shaken’ by the news that Marie Marron – the liaison between United and the Premier League, UEFA, the FA and opposing teams – is expected to be let go at the end of the season.
Marron has been at the club for 47 years, serving as the chief coordinator for their memorable Treble triumph in 1999 and receiving special recognition from former shirt sponsors Aon for ‘exceptional dedication’ in 2013.
Nearly half a century after beginning her employment at Old Trafford in 1978, Marron is said to be ‘devastated’ after being informed that this would likely be her final campaign in a face-to-face meeting held before United’s trip to Bilbao this week.
Marron still travelled for the 3-0 win over Athletic Club, which put United firmly in charge of their Europa League semi-final. And she is set to continue performing her duties until the end of 2024/25, which could culminate in another trip to Bilbao for the final on May 21, providing Amorim’s players get the job done on home turf.
Aon chief Greg Case said of Marron and the small group of long-serving employees recognised in 2013: “Without the right people, no company or team can achieve the pinnacle of success.
“We understand that our team members are our most valuable investment, and that great talent delivers great results, regardless of your field of expertise. These individuals represent the exceptional dedication and commitment of the Manchester United team that supports the players on the pitch.”
Once this second wave of redundancies is complete, United’s workforce is set to be made up of around 700 staff members – down from a high of approximately 1,250.
Alongside Marron, director of football insights and innovations Richard Hawkins, and director of football operations David Harrison have reportedly been informed that their roles are being scrapped. Discussions over the terms of their exits are currently underway as Ratcliffe’s drastic behind-the-scenes reshuffle continues.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk