The British billionaire, who took control of football operations at Old Trafford just over a year ago, has warned that the club's finances are in dire shape. In a series of candid interviews this week, including one with United icon Gary Neville, Ratcliffe revealed the Red Devils would be "bust by Christmas" without drastic cost-cutting measures.

While staff redundancies at the club's Carrington training base and even cuts to employee meals have grabbed headlines, experts agree these moves barely scratch the surface. The real drain, they argue, comes from the players' wages.

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe has vowed to slash salaries across the board, targeting both new signings and existing stars renegotiating their contracts. "Salaries will be massively scaled back," the report stated, with hefty bonuses tied to on-pitch success offered instead.

A Manchester United insider confirmed the shift in strategy: "The club have discussed performance-based contracts with agents moving forward. We'll still pay competitively, but the wage bill has to be managed smarter. It's about value for money."

This new approach means lower base salaries for incoming talent and tougher terms for current squad members, like Mainoo, looking to extend their stays.

The 19-year-old academy graduate, currently on a modest 20,000 pounds per week, has reportedly demanded a bumper rise to 150,000 pounds per week. But talks have hit a wall, with Ratcliffe standing firm in what sources call a mission to "change the culture" at United.

The standoff has fuelled speculation over Mainoo's future. A report last week suggested the midfielder is "minded to reject" United's latest contract offer and could seek a move abroad, with the club open to cashing in for around 70 million pounds.

While Chelsea have shown interest in the past, a switch to another Premier League rival isn't on Mainoo's radar, per the same report.

The saga has drawn sharp criticism from United legend Wayne Rooney, who has urged the club to hold onto their young star.

Speaking recently, Rooney didn't mince words about the state of his former team: "They look lost. They look scared. Bruno Fernandes is the one who keeps producing—he annoys you at times but keeps delivering. Massive changes are needed, 10-15 players should go, though they can't all leave at once. There's a mentality problem, no one's taking responsibility."

When pressed on who should stay, Rooney was clear: "I'd keep Bruno and Mainoo. There's a culture at the club where losing games is too easy. Players just say, 'Onto the next one,' and that's nonsense. Show some fight on the pitch. It hurts to watch, being from Liverpool but spending so many years at United, I want them to do well. My kids are in the academy, and this is tough to see."

Ratcliffe's hardline stance might steady United's financial ship, but with talents like Mainoo caught in the crossfire, the Red Devils risk losing the very players they need to rebuild their fading glory.

Report: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'wage war' could see Kobbie Mainoo leave Man Utd