It’s new times at Manchester United. On the Premier League table – with a negative sign – the employees are the same. Britain’s richest has taken over the reins and shows how he has become very rich: Cut costs first, then increase revenues. This summer, 250 employees at the club were fired, and for the FA Cup final, the rest of the employees were indirectly told that they could be next.

Okay, the organisation has been too big for many years, but Ratcliffe and INEOS have embarked on a cost-cutting project that is well in excess. So in excess that Manchester United’s captain was put off.

Manchester United had fought their way to the FA Cup final at Wembley, a performance that would give the entire club a much-needed boost after months of sporting challenges and trouble within the squad. Now the club was going to stand together and celebrate. The club’s employees would previously have been covered for travel, tickets, board and lodging.

Of Britain’s wealthiest, Manchester United employees this time only got the ticket.

The English media claims captain Bruno Fernandes had been so shocked by the pettiness that he offered to pay out of his own pocket. The suggestion that the captain should pay for travel, board and lodging for the staff was rejected by the Man United management.

New times.