Sir Jim Ratcliffe bans remote working as some Man United staff ‘don’t want to work on club premises’

Laying down the law early

The INEOS billionaire is in charge of the footballing operations at the club ever since he completed the purchase of his 25 per cent stake earlier this year.

Upon taking his new role, Ratcliffe wanted to oversee a cultural change at the club in order to get them challenging back at the top again.

And according to The Guardian, he issued a message to all United staff in which he told them to seek “alternative employment” if they are not willing to come to club premises.

Improving standards

Like many businesses, United have incorporated a work-from-home policy in their schedule ever since covid but Ratcliffe appeared to bring that to an end during an all-staff meeting held in person and via video call last week as part of his tour of Old Trafford and the Carrington training base.

He believes that by having everyone together on site, productivity and working relationships will increase dramatically.

Some of the 1,000 or so employees were reportedly left perplexed by the announcement, especially since United can't fit every employee into their London and Manchester bases due the lack of space.

In his recent visit to the training ground Ratcliffe was apparently appalled by what he had seen and the 71-year-old demanded the standards of the club be raised after noting that the level of ­untidiness in offices as a "disgrace" and some dressing rooms as "not much better".

INEOS' CEO is continuing to carry out his assessment of the club in all areas before incoming CEO Omar Berrada arrives in the summer.

Berrada is currently on gardening leave after agreeing to join from Manchester City.

Related links:

• Erik ten Hag’s uncertain future ‘causing dressing room collapse’ at Man United
• Man United make Gareth Southgate their top target as head coach
• Wayne Rooney offered two top jobs ahead of next season