Sir Jim Ratcliffe responded to Man Utd cost-cutting criticism with blunt answer amid most controversial move yet

Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's response to cost-cutting criticism speaks volumes amid backlash from fans.

Back in February, it was confirmed that British billionaire and INEOS boss Ratcliffe had completed a deal to buy a reported 27.7 per cent stake at United, after fending off competition from a Qatari consortium led by Sheikh Jassim.

At the time, fans were hoping that Ratcliffe would begin to turn United's fortunes around on and off the pitch.

However, nearly a year since his investment, United have largely remained where they were before, with problems mounting both on and off the pitch.

The Red Devils are currently 14th in the Premier League and Ratcliffe's off-the-pitch decisions have left fans bemused and unimpressed.

Ratcliffe has made a few controversial cost-cutting decisions since arriving. As reported by the Daily Mail, more than 200 jobs have been cut and staff Christmas bonuses have been scaled back.

Over the weekend, it was reported that United are set to announce that they will cut funding provided to the club's charitable arm, the Manchester United Foundation.

Sky claimed that United provided close to £1 million to the Foundation in benefits last year, including nearly £175,000 for charity services. However, it is reported that they are planning to scale this back.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been making huge calls since investing into Manchester United. Image: Getty

What has Sir Jim Ratcliffe said about cost-cutting measures at Manchester United?

Despite receiving criticism over his decisions, Ratcliffe recently admitted that United have become 'mediocre' and that difficult calls would have to be made regardless of the backlash.

He told the United We Stand fanzine earlier in the month: "Manchester United has become mediocre. It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change.

"I know we get criticism in the press, but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure. We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years."