The Man United 'nepo baby' staff call the unpopular ownership's 'spy' as they cut costs and jobs: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'junior right-hand man' is in his 20s and most fans have never heard of

Man United staff have reportedly dubbed Ineos official as a 'spy' for the club's ownership amid the ongoing cuts to the workforce.

It was confirmed this week that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are set to cull another 200 members of Man United's workforce, with staff set to learn their fate in April.

The latest job losses come after an initial round of 250 redundancies last year.

Amid the latest round of redundancies, a report by the Telegraph last week claimed some Man United staff had begun to view an Ineos figure as a 'spy' and had become 'extra vigilant' about what they say in his presence.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Ineos manager Josh Thompson has been viewed as Ineos's eyes and ears at the club's Carrington training complex.

Thompson has reportedly been billed as the 'junior right-hand man' of Ratcliffe and the effectively the personal assistant of Sir Dave Brailsford.

Man United staff have reportedly dubbed Josh Thompson, back, as a spy for Ineos' leadership

Thompson, left, has been viewed as a 'junior right-hand man' for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, right

He has reportedly been viewed Ineos's eyes and ears at the club's Carrington training complex

He is the son of David Thompson, the chief executive of Ineos Olefins and Polymers Asia, leading to reported accusations from some staff that he is a 'nepo baby'.

Thompson has been pictured with Man United's hierarchy at matches, close to Ratcliffe and Brailsford, and was seen greeting Ruben Amorim during his welcome video after being appointed as head coach in November.

It is claimed that some staff have unflattering dubbed Thompson to be Brailsford's 'bag-man', working effectively as his personal assistant by organising his diary.

On his LinkedIn he says: I work closely supporting both Sir Dave Brailsford, Director of INEOS Sport, and Jean-Claude Blanc, CEO of INEOS Sport, to drive performance and synergies across our diverse portfolio of world-class teams.

He had previously worked as a social media and marketing assistant as FC Lausanne-Sport, one of Ineos’ stable of football clubs – during a three-month internship in 2018.

He then joined Ineos as an engagement executive supporting legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipochoge’s attempt to break the two-hour barrier as part of the ‘Ineos 1:59 challenge’, before taking on a role as fitness and wellbeing project manager.

Thompson, who has degrees in international business and sport business and leadership from the International School of Geneva and Loughborough University, became a project manager at Ineos Sport in 2022.

Thompson has reportedly been viewed as the 'embodiment of Ineos' at Carrington', leading to some staff questioning his role.

Thompson was pictured greeting Ruben Amorim after his appointment as Man United boss

Thompson has been pictured with Man United' hierarchy at several of the club's matches

Thompson, left, has stated he works closely with Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc

Thompson's father David, left, works for Ineos and had been FC Lausanne-Sport president

Thompson has reportedly been seen by others as a 'nice guy' and 'personable' despite some discontent over his presence.

Mail Sport revealed last week that Brailsford has also been more conspicuous around Carrington again after temporarily relocating from his home in Monaco.

Brailsford has been a key figure in the ongoing £50million redevelopment of the training ground.

The Ineos executive's presence had also been seen as unsettling for staff with staff already on edge.

Man United officially confirmed the latest wave of redundancies on Monday, with the club claiming the action is need to deliver a 'more solid financial platform' to deliver success on the field.

A statement from the club read: 'Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club's financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.

'The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019. This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men's and women's football success and improved infrastructure.

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'As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees. These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.'

The club also quoted Berrada as saying: 'We have a responsibility to put Manchester United in the strongest position to win across our men's, women's and academy teams. We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club.

'Unfortunately, this means announcing further potential redundancies and we deeply regret the impact on those affected colleagues. However, these hard choices are necessary to put the club back on a stable financial footing.