Sir Jim Ratcliffe presented a no-nonsense image at a recent Manchester United meeting - telling staff to 'seek alternative employment'. if they're not on board with his policies.

United staff members have been explicitly told by Ratcliffe to consider other job opportunities if they don't agree with the company's return-to-office policy. Ratcliffe, who co-owns the Premier League club, is keen to end remote working for staff in an attempt to increase effective output as the club is going through an extensive restructure. The Guardian reports that during a meeting, the founder of INEOS firmly articulated his stance and warned attendees: "If you don't like it, please seek alternative employment."

Following the Covid-19 outbreak, United had permitted flexible work arrangements from home. However, Ratcliffe announced that this system will no longer be in operation during a company-wide meeting which saw individuals participating both physically and virtually through video call. After touring Old Trafford and Carrington sporting complex, Ratcliffe used email traffic data to showcase why he believes having employees back in the workspace is necessary.

The major shareholder conveyed that one of his corporations decided to trial a work-from-home Friday model and noticed a stark 20 per cent decrease in email activity which solidified his reasoning behind issuing such a stern ultimatum. Yet, translating this sudden adjustment into reality comes tangled with complications. Allegedly, there isn't sufficient space to comfortably accommodate all employees across Manchester and London locations, meanwhile, some team members are working on flexible agreements and consequently aren't obligated to operate from the club offices.

Ratcliffe's most recent move may well trigger some disquiet within the Old Trafford ranks. Staff perks for attending the FA Cup final have been cut back in comparison to past years. The final against Manchester City last year witnessed all 1,100 employees enjoying complimentary tickets and transportation. But this year, those on United's payroll have been informed they must cough up £20 for bus travel, with no lunch being offered for the Wembley journey.

The circulated email stated: "In recognition of your ongoing support this season, we will organise a colleague trip to Wembley for the final on 25 May. This year, the trip will be a little different. We will still provide you with a complimentary ticket to the game. However, we'll ask you to contribute towards coach travel, and lunch will not be provided."

It continued, " While we appreciate this is a change from previous trips, you will all be aware of the need for us to spend the club's money effectively, with a focus on performance and outcomes."

"We hope that this year's trip balances the opportunity for you to go to Wembley to support our players while also ensuring we can invest as much as possible into the club over the coming months to achieve our goal of returning Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football."