Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘fears Man Utd could go BUST without Ineos’ chief’s unpopular spree of cost-cutting measures’

MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears the club could go BUST - unless he radically cuts costs. SunSport revealed on Tuesday the United chief is set to axe up between 100-200 more staff at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe paid £1billion to acquire 27.7 per cent of the Premier League club last year. The 72-year-old has since taken a sledgehammer to United's finances. He made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant last July and has incensed fans by cutting pay to club ambassadors, including ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

According to the Guardian, Ratcliffe has indicated he "has little choice" but to cut costs considerably across the club. United lost £300m over the past three years - but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons. Insiders told the outlet United would have "run out of cash" had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year. And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting - despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.

Almost EVERY United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. It's been a dismal season on the field, with the Red Devils currently languishing in the bottom half of the top flight. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted relegation was a "possibility" and called his side the "worst United team in history". To get around PSR rules, homegrown stars such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo look set to be sold before investment can begin on the team.

United were quiet in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for Old Trafford and the surrounding area. SIR JIM RATCLIFFE'S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 - and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since... December 2023 - Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe's takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford.

January 2024 - Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington. January 2024 - Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO. February 2024 - Ratcliffe's £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed. February 2024 - Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added. March 2024 - Ratcliffe bans words "awesome" and "lukewarm cappuccino" in bizarre move.

March 2024 - Matt Johnson appointed head of women's football. March 2024 - Ratcliffe announces plans to build "Wembley of the North" to replace Old Trafford. March 2024 - Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 - down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December. April 2024 - Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled. April 2024 - John Murtough quits as football director.

April 2024 - Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton. May 2024 - Ratcliffe turns Carrington "toxic" after sending email to employees slamming "disgraceful" lack of cleanliness. May 2024 - Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof. May 2024 - Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish. May 2024 - Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy.

May 2024 - Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket. May 2024 - Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed. May 2024 - Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result. June 2024 - Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground. June 2024 - Ratcliffe introduces strict "back to work" policy forcing staff to come into office.

June 2024 - Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women's team. July 2024 - Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation. July 2024 - Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026. July 2024 - Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher's role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 - Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment. July 2024 - Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board. July 2024 - Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125. July 2024 - Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie. August 2024 - Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window.