Manchester United is undergoing a major restructuring under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the football management team, with an announcement that approximately a quarter of the club’s staff will be laid off.

Ahead of their pre-season tour to the U.S., the morale of Manchester United’s staff is reportedly “shaken” as hundreds have been informed that their jobs are at risk.

According to The Mirror, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s minority owner, has planned to lay off 250 employees. The purpose of this “purge” is to cut costs for the club, and many are outraged at being unable to join the team on the tour at the last minute.

This tour involves about 125 people, including players and coaching staff, which is fewer than last year’s summer tour in the U.S. Staff at risk of losing their jobs have been informed through individual meetings. In the coming weeks, the number of employees laid off is expected to increase as cases are confirmed.

Faced with unemployment, many employees feel angered and hurt by the perceived cruelty after years of loyal service. They argue that the largest waste of money has been ineffective player signings over the past decade, rather than the hard work they have put in.

Over the past ten years, Manchester United is estimated to have spent £1.1 billion on player acquisitions, while Real Madrid spent just £200 million. Despite this, the Royal Club has been highly successful during this period, in stark contrast to the “Red Devils.”

Last month, the club announced it would cut nearly a quarter of its workforce, from a total of 1,112 employees, as part of a broader plan to reduce costs.

The staff reductions are part of a restructuring effort aimed at bringing sustainability to the club and are expected to save around £10 million in the future. Director Sir Dave Brailsford has conducted a comprehensive review of the club since INEOS Director Ratcliffe took charge of football operations.

The review concluded that the current staff levels are too high and that costs could be saved by reducing non-essential activities. Manchester United has declined to comment on the layoff plans at this time.