Man United ‘cancel corporate credit cards of senior figures at Old Trafford’… as Sir Jim Ratcliffe bids to ‘cut costs to ensure the club comply with Profit and Sustainability rules’

Manchester United have reportedly cancelled the corporate credit cards of senior figures in a bid to cut costs at the club.

The move comes as part of a review of costs at the club and was instigated by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as reported by ESPN.

It has been put in place to ensure that United can comply with Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, after they were hit with a £257,000 fine last summer for breaching UEFA’s regulations.

The club have spent almost £400m on signings in the last two years since Erik ten Hag was appointed, while revenue has dropped after the team failed to make it past the Champions League group stage this season.

They are in danger of missing out on Europe’s elite competition altogether next term, with Ten Hag’s men currently down in sixth place.

Ratcliffe is keen to save money and wants to change the culture of the club

The club remain confident that they will adhere to PSR rules, but Ratcliffe is keen to understand the ways that costs can be cut while also improving outcomes on and off the pitch.

The review began this month and has started with heads of departments having their corporate credit card accounts stopped, with Ratcliffe focused on changing the culture at the club in his opening months at the helm.

Heads of departments are also expected to meet with business consultants from Interpath to assess budgets and figure out ways to save money.

It is understood that Interpath will not cover player trading, but saving money could in turn allow for great investment in the squad.

The Red Devils did not make a single signing in January due to concerns over potentially breaching PSR regulations, leaving Ten Hag with the same playing staff throughout the campaign.

This has left the Dutchman coping with an injury crisis, with Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof the latest players to be sidelined.

Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting scheme is another example of his hands-on approach at Old Trafford since his 27.7 per cent stake in the club was officially approved by the Premier League in February.

United have since appointed Omar Berrada as their new CEO, and he is set to start his role this summer.

Ratcliffe has taken a hands-on approach at Old Trafford and has already appointed Omar Berrada (pictured) as the club’s new CEO

United have now turned their attention to Southampton’s Jason Wilcox (pictured), who could become United’s next technical director

Ratcliffe still has a final call to make on whether to keep Erik ten Hag beyond this summer

They are also looking to bring in Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, but are yet to reach a compromise with Newcastle over a compensation fee.

Southampton’s Jason Wilcox could also be on his way to Old Trafford after United made a formal approach to make him their technical director.

Ratcliffe has been looking to get United’s house in order away from the pitch, but still has a key decision to make over Ten Hag’s future in the dugout.

Ten Hag has come under increased pressure after a disappointing campaign, and Ratcliffe is yet to make a final call on whether to keep him in charge next season.