Sir Alex Ferguson's right hand man has made thoughts perfectly clear on Man Utd cuts

A former coach had already expressed his disappointment over sweeping cutbacks - even before was axed. United's most successful-ever manager as a club ambassador at the end of the season as part of fresh cost-savings at Old Trafford.

It is understood Ratcliffe personally informed Ferguson that the club could no longer afford his salary, with their meeting said to be an amicable affair. The decision regarding Ferguson, 83, forms part of broader cuts made by United under INEOS, which took over football operations at the club after Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake earlier this year.

The club is striving to establish a more sustainable financial model, initiating several cost-saving measures, including a redundancy programme that resulted in 250 job losses across all departments.

Reacting to that news, Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex for six years as first-team coach, lamented the loss of the club's previous "warmth". The Dutchman, 60, also demanded an explanation for the cutting of so many dedicated employees.

Speaking to the he said: "It was just a big, big family [during his time at the club]. It was a massive club that was growing year on, year on, with the greatest manager that England has ever seen at the head of it.

"It never lost its warmth. If I had people over to visit and they watched training, they were all in awe at how wonderful it was, and how welcoming everyone was, and how friendly it all was."

He then cuttingly added: "That apparently has all gone out the window. You hear that so many people have lost their jobs.

"Sir Alex was there 26 years and had people who had been with him for 20 years, 22 years, 23 years. They were all there for a long time and I imagine now there'll be people who will have to leave their jobs after being with the club for a long time. I don't know the reasons behind it, but it needs some justification."

Last month, United posted losses of £113.2million for the year ending June 30, 2024 but the club insisted they are compliant with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) where breaches are punishable by points deductions. The cost-saving measures taken together are expected to save between £40m-45m in total.