Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United legend Michael Owen has voiced a fierce rebuke of the cost-cutting strategy pursued by the club's new boss, Sir Ratcliffe, calling his actions distressing.
Owen couldn't help but reminisce about his time at United, mentioning familiar figures such as the kit manager, canteen attendant, security staff, receptionist, physiotherapist and doctors. He admits that if he were to return to his old stomping ground today, he fears he would find they are no longer there.
Owen expressed his sincere sympathy for those who had lost their jobs. He felt that it was a heavy blow to them and their families that these people, who had dedicated their lives to the club, were facing the crisis of losing their jobs.
Owen points out that while fans may only care about the team's record and trophies, for players like him, the club's transformation has been difficult to accept. He lamented that the United of today is very different from what it used to be, and that although the exterior remains the same, the interior has been transformed.
However, Owen also recognizes the need for change at United. He said that although he was saddened to hear that his former comrades had lost their jobs, he also understood the need for change at United. However, he believes that Sir Ratcliffe's radical changes have been too drastic and have resulted in a large number of staff losing their jobs, which is a difficult situation to evaluate.
