Sir Jim Ratcliffe breaks 'important' Sir Alex Ferguson rule in latest Manchester United decision

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to implement a significant change at the club, breaking a long-standing rule introduced by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 71-year-old has been actively involved in reshaping the culture at United, including withdrawing private car access for most staff members and ordering those with hybrid working arrangements to return to the office. He also cancelled the corporate credit cards of department heads.

According to the Daily Mail, Ratcliffe's latest rule will prohibit staff members who do not directly work with the first team from dining in the main training ground canteen. Instead, they will be directed to a separate area for lunch and will not have access to the 'high-performance food' enjoyed by the players.

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Critics of the move are believed to think that banning staff members from the canteen will further alienate United's playing squad from the club's rank and file. However, others within Old Trafford are reported to have supported the change, feeling that some create an 'unwanted distraction' by clinging onto the players.

Ratcliffe's decision to exclude staff from the canteen directly contradicts the philosophy of Ferguson, who fostered a culture of unity during his tenure at United. He famously ensured that everyone employed by the club, from the millionaire players to the secretaries and tea ladies, dined together in the same area, reports the Express.

In his book, Leading, Ferguson highlighted the significance of allowing everyone to use the canteen, a policy he