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Man Utd to sack up to 200 MORE staff as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hated cuts continue with flops the ‘worst team in history’

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to axe up to 200 more staff in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s latest brutal cost-cutting move.

The British billionaire paid £1billion for 27.7 per cent of the club last year and has since gone to desperate measures to fix finances at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United co-owner, watching a match.
Alamy
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to axe more behind-the-scenes members of staff[/caption]
Protest against rising ticket prices.
AFP
Fans have already protested the Ineos regime[/caption]

The Sun understands that between 100-200 employees will be sacked in his latest bid to reduce costs.

All departments are at risk of seeing their numbers slashed.

A source exclusively told The Sun: “Ultimately, football is a business but there are hundreds of people who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes who contribute to any club’s success. 

“Morale is already on the floor after last year’s job losses. This will come as another big blow.”

It comes after Ratcliffe made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant in July.

Man Utd have lost £300million across the past three years and despite cash injected by the Ineos regime, the long-term picture remains “challenging”.

Ratcliffe is determined to bring the glory days back to the club and is willing to transform things on and off the pitch.

Man Utd are exploring every option to save money and increase revenue.

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The news comes just a day after the New Zealand’s rugby team sued Ineos for “failing to pay sponsorship fees.”

Ratcliffe’s controversial first year at United included raising ticket prices, getting rid of Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16m per year ambassador role and cancelling the staff Christmas party.

He even ended the £40,000 donation to a fund that helped ex-Man Utd players after retirement and replaced staff’s festive £100 bonus with a £40 M&S voucher.

All while there has been little to cheer on the pitch, with the team languishing in 13th in the table.

Manager Ruben Amorim even admitted relegation was a “possibility” earlier this season and called his side the “worst United team in history“.

The club announced at the end of last year that they were going to scrap concessions and hike ticket prices to a minimum of £66 per ticket for members – the most expensive lowest price in the Premier League.

It led to fierce criticism from club legends like Paul Scholes and fans protested with banners that read: “Stop exploiting loyalty.”

Supporters also vented their anger at Ratcliffe after their 1-0 win over Fulham three weeks ago, with X-rated chants and a confrontation as the owner left the stadium at full-time.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first year at Man Utd

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington 

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO 

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed 

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled 

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director 

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy 

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground 

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment 

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window 

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled 

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause 

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim 

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings 

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” 

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity

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Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE SCORE: Champions League updates as European giants clash after Brest vs PSG – latest

MANCHESTER CITY welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off TONIGHT.

Pep Guardiola‘s side will be looking to take a lead to the Spanish capital as they will know the European kings will be tough to beat on their own patch next week.

A last-16 clash with either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen awaits the winner over two legs.

However, we will first have LIVE COVERAGE from the All-French clash in France, where Paris Saint-Germain have travelled to face Brest.

  • Kick off time: 8pm GMT
  • TV/Stream: Amazon Prime Video
  • Man City team: To follow…
  • Real Madrid team: To follow…

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Follow our live blog below…

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Kym Marsh shares heartbreaking post on 16th anniversary of her son Archie’s death

KYM Marsh has shared a heartbreaking post on the 16th anniversary of her son Archie’s death.

The former Coronation Street actress and Waterloo Road star took to social media to mark his passing.

Kym Marsh at the TV Choice Awards.
Kym Marsh has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her son Archie
Getty
Memorial display with baby's footprints, angel figurine, and candle.
Instagram
The actress shared a snap showing a collection of items, including a picture of Archie’s footprint[/caption]

Archie Jay Lomas died moments after he was born, having arrived 18 weeks early in 2009.

Kym and former husband, Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, were left heartbroken and have continued to honour his memory.

Paying tribute to her son, Kym took to Instagram to share a snap showing a collection of items, including a picture of Archie’s footprint.

Penning an emotional message, the actress said: “16 years without you.

“It feels like yesterday we said goodbye. Every year I try to write something new. But the fact is that there is nothing new to say. 

“I still miss you every day, that will never change. I still hurt and feel pain the same as always. I still would give anything to have you here with us to celebrate your birthday.

“To see you smile when you opened your gifts, to hear you laugh at the silly things people would write in your cards, to see Polly annoying her big brother and the two of you doing the silly bickering that siblings do, to give me a hug and tell me you love me, but that I needed to let go now cos I’m embarrassing you haha.”

Kym, 48, has been a staunch advocate for raising awareness around premature births, stillbirths and premature death – even using her own experience for a harrowing Coronation Street story in which her character Michelle gave birth to a stillborn son.

She continued: “We all miss you so much, there will always be my one missing, but I take great comfort in knowing that grandad is up there with you now. He’s hugging you for me, for us. He’s making you laugh with his silly jokes and he’s showing you how much you’re loved every day. 

“I wonder what you would look like now? If you’re anything like your siblings then you’re a beauty. They miss you Arch. They really do. We all do. 

“We will honour you today kiddo and celebrate the wonderful young man that you would most certainly be. Happy birthday son. Love you always and forever. Mum ❤❤❤.”

Last year Kym tragically lost her dad David after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.

She revealed how Archie’s final resting place is now alongside his grandfather, after they were buried together.

She explained to OK! Mag: “I felt that there had to be a time when I let Archie rest.

“Fifteen years is a long time to carry his ashes around. They have been everywhere with me – even to South Africa.”

Kym Marsh's career so far

Actress, singer and presenter Kym Marsh has a career spanning almost three decades, across a wide variety of projects. Here is a look at Kym’s body of work so far.

  • Hear’say (2001-2002): Kym and the four other winners of reality TV series Popstars formed the band Hear’say. Her bandmates include Myleene Klass, Suzanne Shaw, Noel Sullivan and Danny Foster. She left the group in January 2002, with the brand breaking up months later.
  • Coronation Street (2006-2019): Kym joined the cast of ITV soap opera Coronation Street in 2006, playing the character Michelle Connor. During her time in the soap, the character’s storylines included marrying Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and discovering her son Ryan was not hers biologically – having been swapped with another baby at the hospital. Kym left Corrie in 2019, after 13 years.
  • Popstar to Operastar (2010): She appeared in series one of this show – which saw eight stars known for singing pop music trained in how to sing opera. Fellow contestants included McFly’s Danny Jones and The Saturdays’ Vanessa White. Kym placed fourth overall; the now-late singer Darius was named the winner.
  • Morning Live (2020 – present): Morning Live first debuted as a 40-part series to connect with viewers’ real-life concerns and to offer trustworthy and expert advice. Kym co-fronted the show alongside Gethin Jones – the likes of Michelle Ackerley and Helen Skelton have since also come on board.

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My boobs were so saggy you could tie them in bows – I stopped feeling sexy but now they’re perfect, says Helen Flanagan

HELEN Flanagan has opened up about her decision to get a boob job after breastfeeding her three children left her feeling “so self-conscious.”

The 34-year-old actress shares Matilda, nine, Delilah, six, and Charlie, three, with her footballer ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair.

Helen Flanagan in Ann Summers lingerie.
Instagram
Helen has revealed why she chose to get a boob job[/caption]
Woman breastfeeding baby.
Instagram
She breastfeed all three of her children[/caption]
Before and after photos of a woman in lingerie.
Instagram
Helen revealed that she lost her confidence after ‘barely’ fitting a B cup[/caption]

Feeling that her breasts had become so droopy she “could have tied them in a bow,” she opted for breast enlargement surgery.

In January 2023, she went to Pall Mall Cosmetics in a bid to “regain her confidence within her body” and help with the “loss of volume in her breasts.”

Speaking in more detail about her reasoning for having surgery in an recent Instagram post, Helen explained: “I get asked a lot about my boob job in my DMs.

“I breast fed three babies for three years in total. 

“At the end you could have tied my boobs in a bow though I have no regrets at all breastfeeding my babies.

“I went with Pall Mall cosmetics and I had Breast Enlargement with Mr Hussain, who made me feel really comfortable and I felt in good hands.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to have a lift and I could have them naturally lifted by the implants.” 

She explained that she had a “few consultations” till she was happy with the decision of her implant size which was 340CC – Motiva Round – and opted for a dual plane placement. 

Helen and their former Preston North End footballer called their 13-year relationship off in 2022. 

She continued: “I lost a lot of weight from my break up and I didn’t want my boobs to be too big for my frame but I needed them to fill out the skin that needed lifting. 

“Now they are just perfect for my frame and I feel they are really natural, like my boobs before my kids.

“When I look back to when I really wanted my surgery done it was sad as I didn’t feel confident and sexy with their dad, I always had to have a bra on and I was so self conscious about my boobs.

“I remember crying in the shower after I finished feeding Delilah as I just didn’t feel like me and I was so self conscious of my boobs and how the skin just sagged, even though there dad always said I was beautiful. 

“I knew I wasn’t done having babies though so I waited till after Charlie to have my boobs done.” 

Woman in pink lingerie and robe.
Instagram
Now she feels confident in her body[/caption]
Woman in pink jeweled bikini.
Instagram
The actress regularly posts pictures of her in swimwear and underwear[/caption]
A woman in pink pajamas cuddling her two young daughters, also in pajamas, while reading a book.
Instagram
She shares three kids with her ex Scott Sinclair[/caption]

Before having children Helen was a natural E cup but after three pregnancies and three years of breastfeeding she “couldn’t even fit a B cup bra with it being baggy.” 

She continues: “I don’t regret any of my breast feeding, it was such a beautiful, precious part of my life and I loved bonding with the babies…. I don’t think I’ll ever have a baby again though.

“I think it’s sad as women to say ‘that’s me done now, never ever again’ so I’d rather say it’s highly unlikely for me that I will ever have another baby again.

“I think because for me it would be nice to get my life a bit calmer again.

“Being a mum and struggling on and off sometimes with mental health it can be hard so I’d rather just put all my focus on my beautiful babies that I do have and our bonds will just get closer (I hope) the older they get.”

What do we know about Helen Flanagan’s new boyfriend Robbie Talbot?

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that she is in a new relationship.

While appearing on Celebs Go Dating, she confessed that she was already taken – here’s everything we know about her boyfriend Robbie Talbot.

Helen has opened up about her relationship with former footballer Robbie Talbot.

He is a decade older than the actress.

Robbie was born in Liverpool on October 31, 1979 which is how he earned his nickname Halloween Hitman in football.

He has played for a series of non-league teams such as Burton Albion, Burscough and Morcambe.

He then became a coach at Ashton in 2010.

Robbie is retired from football.

He left his role as Assistant Manager at Ashton due to family and work commitments in 2011.

It’s unknown what he has done for work since leaving football.

Helen admitted that she was dating Robbie while appearing on Celebs Go Dating.

In a first for the show, it has been revealed that her relationship had to be written into the series due to requirements that those taking part have to be single.

The pair went public at her birthday party on August 10, 2024.

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