They clearly aren't getting paid pennies though. If you can show me some sort of statistics that indicate they're paid less than others in their roles (in football and other sectors), feel free and I'll concede the point. I would bet a receptionist at Manchester United is getting paid more than most receptionists in Manchester. The notion that they're all living hand to mouth is unfounded, as far as I am aware. As for your other point, even a Marcus Rashford playing shit brings in more money and commercial acclaim than most members of staff at United. Just like star actors are paid more than production staff. Just like a popular Onlyfans model working 5 hours a week typically gets paid more than people working 50 hours a week down mines. Is that fair? No but it's market forces.
Also, it seems already that this new regime is committed to getting rid of high earning players not delivering the goods. Should we stay bloated on the low level staff side and just cut the players not earning their money? Or do both? It doesn't have to be either/or.
I can see that but these are footballers regarded (rightly or wrongly) as athletes among the best in the world. They face death threats, abuse, a total lack of anonymity. Most of the players had a rough path to footballing superstardom with many sacrifices, big risk of being cut from the academy and having it all fall apart, their careers potentially ruined by injuries etc. I'm not saying I feel sorry for them; there's a lot of benefits and it's a privilege to play football for a very well remunerated living. But it's also a privilege to work for Manchester United. Even in a very low role. The players bring in the cash, predominantly. They are the ones who the perceived success or failure of the club fall upon.
I'm not trying to diminish the feelings of the staff but many people would give anything to be in their position. It's easy to perceive a loss when something is taken away but it's also easy to forget the fortunate position one is in in the first place.
