'Not sustainable' - Dire Man United warning suggests things will get worse before they get better

Anyone looking for bright lights at the end of the tunnel at Manchester United have found only darkness to peer into in recent days. On the pitch, Ruben Amorim is talking of the worst team in the club's history. Off it, executives are warning of further hard times ahead.

United did at least grind out a win on Thursday night, with Bruno Fernandes scoring in injury time to beat Rangers in the Europa League. It was another unconvincing performance, and it was all the more disheartening because Alejandro Garnacho played so well. The 20-year-old could be sold out of a financial necessity in the next few days.

Why that kind of deal is being pursued was laid bare in a letter from club officials to The 1958 supporters' group, released on social media in the hours before kick-off on Thursday. The 1958 had written to United to voice disapproval at mid-season ticket price rises and query future hikes. The message was hardly reassuring.

“We are determined to ensure that our current fans can continue to afford to attend games and that tickets are accessible for future generations of fans,” the club said.

“As previously communicated, we are however currently making a significant loss each year — totaling over £300m in the past 3 years.

“This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.

“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there. That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.

“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to