Manchester United are set to axe around a quarter of the club's workforce following the findings of a thorough financial review, according to reports. Up to 250 current employees will be losing their jobs as part of the latest cost-cutting instalment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's project to return United to their former glories.
Ratcliffe has overseen an audit into different aspects of the club's operations since completing his £1.3billion investment for a 27.7 per cent stake in February.
And he has wasted no time addressing United's overcrowded staff list in an attempt to quickly start balancing the books after years of financial mismanagement under the Glazer family's watch.
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According to the Mail, staff were informed during a series of meetings on Wednesday morning that around a quarter of United's 1,100 workforce were being made redundant.
A wide-scale investigation commissioned by Ratcliffe recommended that employee figures must be slashed across all departments, leading to a 'proposed redundancy process'.
As of June 30 last year, United reportedly employed 1,112 workers, by far the highest total in the Premier League.
Across the other 'big six' clubs, the figure was 1,005 at Liverpool, 788 at Chelsea, 719 at Tottenham Hotspur, 649 at Arsenal and 520 at Manchester City.
It's claimed that staff were told that costs had risen to unacceptable levels, which has previously garnered criticism for impacting decision-making, among other negative effects.
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The report adds that two key factors prompted the decision, the first of which is to allow a greater chance of compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
But there has also been an emphasis on prioritising United's first team at the start of Ratcliffe and INEOS' regime, which is believed to have left those involved with the women's side frustrated.
And Ratcliffe is said to be planning to invest the funds saved from cost-cutting measures in the transfer market to reinforce Erik ten Hag's squad.
It's important to note that the club's charity, the Manchester United Foundation, won't be impacted by the sweeping changes.
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The Glazers have reportedly green-lit the ruthless changes being driven by Ratcliffe, who wants operations to become leaner, more accountable, and, ultimately, 'best in class'.
Employees impacted by the redundancies - which won't be voluntary - are set to be informed over the coming weeks.
Activities considered 'non-essential' will also be halted as United knuckle down for what they believe will harvest long-term success.
Manchester United declined to comment.
