Man Utd staff left fearing for their futures after latest Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has big plans to shake things up at Manchester United, but several members of staff are fearing for their jobs following John Murtough's early exit

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Senior staff members at Manchester United are 'fretting' over their future following the announcement of John Murtough's departure.

The club's former football director had been the subject of intense speculation since Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of sporting operations at Old Trafford after acquiring a 27.7 per cent stake in the club from the Glazer family.

Murtough's exit was confirmed in a club statement on Tuesday by mutual agreement. He had been at United for over 10 years after following David Moyes to Manchester - and several other senior personnel are said to be fearful that they could follow suit in the coming months.

A new report from The Mail has revealed that staff are mindful that further changes are likely to occur once Dan Ashworth, the club's primary choice to fill the sporting director role, is officially in power, although it still remains to be seen when he will start work in an official capacity.

Newcastle are demanding around £20million in compensation for the former Football Association and Brighton chief, who is currently on gardening leave. Ashworth will take up a significant role at Old Trafford alongside incoming chief executive Omar Berrada, who was poached from Manchester City earlier in the year.

Furthermore, Ratcliffe's right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, has been assessing the club's operations since Ineos' arrival and could also recommend changes as part of United's new hierarchy.

The Star revealed last month that Ratcliffe himself has plans to oversee a major cull of the club's staff in a bid to cut costs and streamline operations.

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It's estimated that a quarter of all staff could be affected by the plans. Ratcliffe recently appointed consultancy firm Interpath in a bid to restructure the club behind the scenes. United employ almost 1200 people in total - more than any other club in the Premier League.

While further changes are anticipated off the pitch, it now seems likely that Erik ten Hag will remain in charge despite speculation to the contrary in recent months.

The Dutchman has overseen a disappointing second season at the helm and it was expected Ineos may opt to make a managerial change. However, Ten Hag is being included in plans for next season and is set to be given the opportunity to work in the club's new structure.

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