Manchester United have confirmed that long-serving member of staff Jackie Kay has been sacked in a move which risks further antagonising employees.

has embarked upon a major cost-cutting exercise since taking control of the club a year ago. He has , let as a club ambassador, cancelled the party and freebies for staff.

are in the pipeline as Ratcliffe makes that are necessary to turn around the “mediocre” club he inherited. There is now among staff at United, who are worried that they could be next to get the chop.

The removal of Kay, the head of team operations, who has worked for for 30 years, has not gone down well behind the scenes. Reporting the news earlier this month, noted that the ‘brutal’ dismissal of Kay, who was described as “the oil in the machine” at the club, has left staffers ‘stunned’ and 'upset'.

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United have now officially confirmed her departure. A club spokesman said: “As part of the ongoing restructure of our operations, Jackie Kay is leaving after almost 30 years of outstanding service to the club.

“Jackie started at Old Trafford in 1995 as an executive assistant through a period of historic success under Sir . In 2013 she moved to Carrington and served a succession of men’s managers, first as executive assistant and for the past 9yrs heading first team operations.

“In all her roles, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and played a key part in the day-to-day life of Manchester United at Old Trafford, Carrington and on the road wherever the team was playing. We thank Jackie for everything she has done for the club and wish her the very best for the future. She will always be welcome at the club.”

Kay was an extremely popular figure at United and her exit is symbolic of the widespread changes being brought about by Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. Former United winger Ashley Young previously explained how important Kay was to the running of the club.

“She's just brilliant,” he said. “She's like the mum to everyone. If there are any problems or there is anything we need sorting out it's a case of 'Jackie can you do this', 'Jackie can you help with this'. I'm sure there are times when she looks at her phone when it's ringing and she must think 'no, I'm not answering'. But she's always there for you."

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