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New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly sent a scathing message to club staff and lambasted the pathetic state of the dressing room and the IT department in particular.
Since Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into the club, all focus has been on auditing United and identifying areas of improvement.
Earlier this week, Ratcliffe was accompanied by some of his close associates including interim CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, in a meeting with United employees.
The Peoples Person covered a report which stated that Ratcliffe instructed those on the Red Devils’ payroll to instantly return to the office as he seeks to bring an end to the work-from-home culture at Old Trafford.
The Oldham-born billionaire is also believed to have told United staff that his primary goal is to restore the 20-time English champions to the pinnacle of world football – an objective he aims to achieve sooner rather than later.
According to The Daily Mail, Ratcliffe took major issue with the state of a section of United’s operations. In particular, he bemoaned the state of the dressing room and the IT department.
The newspaper states that the British businessman warned that “untidiness” certainly won’t be tolerated under his regime.
Ratcliffe said in a note addressed to all staff and which was seen by The Mail, “I had a good two-day visit to both Carrington and Old Trafford this week. As ever I was made to feel very welcome. Thank you.”
“I had a good tour around some of the facilities. I am afraid I was struck in many places by a high degree of untidiness. In particular, the IT department which frankly was a disgrace and the dressing rooms of the U18 and U21 were not much better.”
“These standards would not come close to what we would expect at INEOS and we are a chemical company. Manchester United is an elite sporting organisation.”
His note further read, “It’s a small thing in many ways but unless an organization has standards and discipline it will not succeed.”
He encouraged staff to step up their efforts to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at Old Trafford.
“I would be grateful in future if we adopt the proper standards of housekeeping everywhere. It reflects poorly on the club if we have visitors, young player parents, new players and the media and they see we don’t care enough to keep things shipshape.”
Nathan Salt points out that United were approached for comment on the story.
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