Manchester United staff are 'shocked and upset' that long-term academy coaches will lose their jobs due to INEOS cost-cutting

Manchester United staff are said to be “shocked, upset and angry” after several of the club's longest-serving academy coaches were told they could lose their jobs.

The Premier League giants are ready to cut its workforce by almost a quarter as part of a major restructuring of the club led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

It has now been reported by The Daily Telegraph that six respected figures from the club's youth system were caught off guard after being told they could be the first to be sacked.

That figure is believed to include academy coaches Stuart Leicester and Neil Harris, who have both been at the club for 20 years.

Graham Buckingham, who has worked for Manchester United for 34 years and recently received an award for being an outstanding member of staff, is also said to be on the list.

Those affected were reportedly called to surprise meetings on Tuesday to be told they might be on their way out.

These coaches have helped guide the club's young stars, including Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Scott McTominay, through United's famed academy system on their way to the senior first team.

The report claims many members of the club's academy staff have been left “upset and angry” by the news and the cost-cutting process, amid the belief that the Glazer ownership has overseen large sums wasted in the transfer market.

Although the club “does not like” such decisions, the report says they believe academy staff can be cut without affecting the production of young, top talent.

INEOS boss Ratcliffe bought his 25 per cent minority stake in the club in February, with he and his staff taking over football operations.

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So far he has overseen new appointments to help with recruitment, so much so that Erik ten Hag says “a lot has been done.” taken from his paper.

Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox have joined as sporting director and technical director respectively, with Christopher Vivell joining as interim director of recruitment.

United's new minority owners have also been active in their first transfer window at the club, with striker Joshua Zirkzee the first signing of the INEOS era in a £36m deal from Bologna.

Then came Leny Yoro from Lille. The 18-year-old centre-back joined for £52m, becoming the fifth most expensive teenager in history.

talkSPORT has learned that United have added Martín Zubimendi to their squad list. midfield objectives as they seek to continue their spending.

The 25-year-old recently won Euro 2024 with Spain and has a £50m release clause in his Real Sociedad contract.