In a tradition thought to date back to Sir Matt Busby, Old Trafford staffers would be handed free tickets plus travel to and from Wembley, a pre-match lunch, after-match party and accommodation in the capital.
Senior staff and directors were also allowed to take friends and family.
However, in a decision taken by new investors Ineos, workers were told they would only receive one ticket and would have to pay £20 for a coach to the stadium for their derby under the arch with Manchester City, with all other benefits axed.
An email sent on Thursday outlining the changes did not go down well with sections of staff, and some have now been left further agitated after learning that 24 hours after the message was sent the other halves of the United’s highly-paid stars were out for lunch – with the club picking up the tab.
On Friday, the partners of players including Scott McTominay, Luke Shaw, Antony and Aaron Wan Bissaka, headed out to San Carlo, and were spotted leaving with Harvey Nichols and Manchester United-branded goody bags.
