Amorim Steps In To Fund for 30 Backroom Staff and Families To Not Leave Them Sidelined.
Ruben Amorim has stepped up in a classy gesture ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. He has decided to personally pay for 30 backroom staff and their families to attend the game in Bilbao on May 21. The Portuguese manager’s classy gesture came after a controversial decision by the club’s hierarchy.
The upper management at the club decided to make staff cover their own ticket costs for the match. Despite the high-stakes nature of the final Manchester United opted not to fund tickets for non-playing staff. This includes coaches, physios, and support personnel. This seems a very controversial move from the club’s end.
Especially considering Man United have had a devastating Premier League run this season. And this match could be their ticket to the Champions League next season. Yet, only two tickets per player have been allocated by the club. They aren’t providing any provisions for travel or accommodations for family members or staff either.
Sources told ESPN that Amorim was disappointed by the decision. Especially considering he brought several trusted aides with him from Sporting CP when he joined the Red Devils last November. So, he informed the club that he would cover the expenses himself. His side will help each staff member bring up to two family members or friends to the match.
According to ESPN, the move was motivated by Amorim’s desire to reward the “contribution and commitment” of his support team during what has been a challenging six-month period. The Red Devils are currently sitting in 16th place in the Premier League. On top of that, the club is also undergoing significant restructuring, with up to 200 job cuts expected this summer.
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Man United’s wider austerity measures under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led management has come under criticism over time. Especially considering the fact that other clubs have taken a different approach in similar situations. Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain, for example, are reportedly sending 600 staff to Munich on the club’s dime.
For those unable to travel, United have offered a match screening in Manchester. That offer comes with two free drinks. However, fans and staff who are hoping to bring guests will need to pay. This is sadly an apt reflection of the current state of affairs at Old Trafford. In such a situation, Amorim’s gesture certainly seems huge to many at the club.
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