COST-cutting Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in talks to outsource Man United’s catering – sparking fears prawn sandwiches could be taken off the menu.
The minority owner has asked bosses to find a company who United can pay to provide all food and drink from swanky hospitality rooms to stadium kiosks in the hope of saving a few quid.
And any potential deal could see menus revamped, with prawn sandwiches being taken off the menu.
The club is in discussions with Levy, part of Compass Group, about a multi-million pound contract, which would see the two businesses venture into a profit share.
But some catering workers fear any changes could result in job losses.
A source said: “The catering staff are concerned that any potential change could see them lose their jobs.
“The club have been at pains to explain that by law, any outsourcing deal has to guarantee them their jobs, but some take great pride in being employed by Manchester United. It’s a worrying time for them.”
A club source said: “This is not about job cuts. It’s about deciding what is the best catering model for the club, and ultimately for fans.
“We’re one of only two clubs in the Premier League that don’t currently outsource catering, so it makes sense for us to explore the option.”
Former United captain Roy Keane famously labelled some fans who enjoy the club’s hospitality boxes as the “prawn sandwich brigade” during a rant in November 2000 after the fans failed to support the team in a Champions League game against Dynamo Kviv.
He said: “Away from home our fans are fantastic, I’d call them the hardcore fans.
“But at home they have a few drinks and probably the prawn sandwiches, and they don’t realise what’s going on out on the pitch.”
