CLUB OF WOE

Manchester United are struggling under crippling debt and sinking dangerously close to the relegation zone

- JANICE BECKETT-MSIZA

DIE-HARD fans will tell you that no matter how badly your team is doing, you stick with them through thick and thin. They're like your brothers - sometimes they mess up, but you still love them. And that is admirable enough, but even the most ardent Manchester United fans are holding their heads in their hands these days.

The team is floundering in 14th place on the Premier League table, but the debacle goes much deeper than the performance on the field. The once mighty Red Devils, the club whose home is called the Theatre of Dreams, are drowning in debt and suffering after a series of questionable decisions. While fans may still flaunt the club's merchandise, they also have to dig deep to find the passion for their team.

SLASHING COSTS

When 72-year-old Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a 23% stake in the club he also took control of the team's operations and was widely expected to change United's fortunes. A nearly lifelong fan of United, he had plans to invest in talent, upgrade a tired Old Trafford and make the club great again.

But with American owners, the Glazers, stripping assets, cumulative losses over the past five years have amounted to £370 million (R8,5 billion), and Ratcliffe has to slash costs left, right and centre.

Alex Ferguson was canned as ambassador, which brought him £2,16 million (R49,7 million) a year. More than 250 staffers were laid off last year and 200 more jobs are to be culled by April - a fact broadcast to employees at a recent meeting where pies and chips were served with water in plastic cups.

The employees who remain will have to relocate to the Carrington training ground and those staying on at Old Trafford will no longer benefit from free canteen lunches. The only freebie they'll be entitled to is fruit.

"The lunches were the only perk we had," one staff member says.