United director Sir Dave Brailsford has led an extensive review of the club’s operations since Ineos’ part ownership of the club was confirmed in December.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already told staff he wants them back to work from the clubhouse.
However, club sources now say a significant financial transformation is needed to stop the sharp rise in costs year-on-year.
The review concluded, structurally, the size and shape of the club does not reflect current football performance and they have more staff than they need.
Sources say savings have been identified around “non-essential” activities, which will cease.
What these activities are has yet to be clarified, but the goal is to reduce the number of employees and employee costs. United has 1,150 full-time members.
Interim CEO Jean-Claude Blanc broke the news of the cuts at an all-employee meeting with about 800 people in attendance.
The move is sure to be met with negativity, with many pointing out that poor first-team recruitment has wasted far more money than will be saved by reducing the regular workforce.