The Daily Mail claim that the 71-year-old circulated an email to each staff member to lament the club’s IT department, in which he described the hygiene standards as a “disgrace” while adding that “frankly the dressing rooms of U18s and U21s” were also disappointing.

He compared the tidiness to the situation at INEOS, insisting that such a mess would not be acceptable there and “we are a chemical company”.

The email read: “I had a good two-day visit to both Carrington and Old Trafford this week. As ever I was made to feel very welcome. Thank you. I had a good tour around some of the facilities. I am afraid I was struck in many places by a high degree of untidiness. In particular the IT department which frankly was a disgrace and the dressing rooms of the U18 and U21 were not much better.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“These standards would not come close to what we would expect at INEOS and we are a chemical company. Manchester United is an elite sporting organisation. It's a small thing in many ways but unless an organisation has standards and discipline it will not succeed.”

The Brit has been keen to stamp his authority on the club since his 27.7 per cent stake in the club was ratified in February, having employed a new CEO in Omar Berrada while Jason Wilcox has arrived from Southampton as technical director. The Red Devils are also in talks with Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth to become director of football.

The email, which was sent out on Friday afternoon, has shocked staff members who initially found the message insulting according to The Athletic. However, upon further reflection, many felt that the criticism was necessary.

Ratcliffe had reportedly demanded that employees return to their Manchester and London officers rather than work from home, keen to instil a new system of responsibility within the club after years of perceived underperformance.

In a separate message, he reiterated the need for improved standards for all staff when they are working at the club, claiming that the current state reflects poorly when visitors are on site.

“I would be grateful in future if we adopt the proper standards of housekeeping everywhere,” he wrote. “It reflects poorly on the club if we have visitors, young player parents, new players and the media and they see we don't care enough to keep things shipshape.”