Sir Jim Ratcliffe's brutal email spells out Manchester United reality as deadline set

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly given staff just over a week to decide whether they want to stay at the club.

The Athletic understands Ratcliffe sent an email to all non-football staff and scouts asking if they wish to 'voluntarily resign' from their positions at United. It is believed that should staff choose to accept the offer, the scheme will be closer aligned to 'voluntary redundancy' which would see those exiting the club given a set monetary sum for departing.

Employees at United have been given until June 5 to decide whether they wish to remain or not. Ratcliffe is currently in the midst of a full-scale audit of the club with the INEOS founder looking to implement cost-cutting measures.

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These measures also extended to the FA Cup final on Saturday where it was believed staff were asked to make a £20 contribution if they wanted to attend the Wembley final. The emails also come after INEOS made the decision to end hybrid working at the club with staff informed they must return to their offices in London, Old Trafford or Carrington by June 1.

Cost saving has not solely been focused on the non-playing staff though. MEN Sport understands just four players are not in the shop window to be sold this summer.

Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are all viewed as indispensable. United's second-highest earner Raphael Varane has already left the club while Casemiro is also expected to be offered out in the summer.