Sir Jim Ratcliffe could reportedly cut 300 jobs at Manchester United as he looks to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
The British billionaire has purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club following successful talks with the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe knows United must do better on and off the pitch if they're to become the force they once were.
And according to the Guardian, he may cut 300 employees loose as he looks to make an instant impact.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could cut as many as 300 jobs at Manchester United following his arrival
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Ratcliffe is, per the publication, expected to ask an external auditor to assess the club's structure and expenditure.
He wants to streamline United's operations, believing they have too many staff at the current moment in time.
United also have to curb costs to ensure they continue to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Ratcliffe is said to feel that the Red Devils' staff could be reduced by 25 and 30 per cent, with the club having over 1,000 employees at present.
Senior managers have reportedly been reminded of the need for 'cost discipline'.
And though Ratcliffe is set to pump money into the club, it seems as though he's looking to balance the books as well.
Whether the 71-year-old will succeed in lifting the Red Devils is, for the moment, unclear.
United have been dreadful under manager Erik ten Hag so far this term, losing 13 matches across all competitions.
Their season stooped to a new low on December 23 after a dire 2-0 defeat to David Moyes' West Ham.
Ten Hag has the backing of the United board for the time being.
Yet further defeats and abject displays will likely see the axe come crashing down on his head.
Graham Potter has reportedly met with Ratcliffe to discuss the possibility of becoming United manager.
Potter is out of work following his sacking by Chelsea in April - though what ultimately happens remains to be seen.
Ratcliffe, meanwhile, took aim at United for their shortcomings in recent years after his purchase was confirmed.
"As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the Club," he said.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to be ruthless as he looks to guide Manchester United back to the top
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"Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
"We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion.
"We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward.
“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to improve both on and off the pitch
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Joel Glazer also reacted, with the United co-owner saying: “We are delighted to have agreed this deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
"As part of the strategic review we announced in November 2022, we committed to look at a variety of alternatives to help enhance Manchester United, with a focus on delivering success for our men’s, women’s and Academy teams.
“Sir Jim and INEOS bring a wealth of commercial experience as well as significant financial commitment into the Club.
"And, through INEOS Sport, Manchester United will have access to seasoned high-performance professionals, experienced in creating and leading elite teams from both inside and outside the game.
"Manchester United has talented people right across the Club and our desire is to always improve at every level to help bring our great fans more success in the future.”
