Sir Jim Ratcliffe is accused of running Man United like a 'DICTATORSHIP' after string of strict reforms - including ordering staff back into the office permanently

A former CEO of a Premier League club has claimed Sir Jim Ratcliffe is attempting to run Manchester United like a dictatorship.

After months of speculation, United confirmed on Christmas Eve that Ratcliffe's partial takeover of the club had been completed, with the 71-year-old subsequently taking over football operations at the club.

Since taking the reins the Ineos chairman has wasted little time in implementing reforms off the pitch, with some reportedly proving divisive among United staff.

One of the first major overhauls was instituted last month, with all United staff members ordered to permanently return to working from the office, after the club had previously utilised a hybrid approach.

The latest development revealed exclusively by Mail Sport earlier this week saw staff set to banished from eating at the players' canteen at the Carrington training ground.

Speaking on the reforms, former Aston Villa and Everton CEO Keith Wyness insisted Ratcliffe would be making a 'mistake' if he tries to run United like his business empire.

'Ratcliffe obviously doesn't like what he sees,' Wyness told Football Insider, 'Whether that's a knee-jerk reaction, I don't know. 

'But ever since he and his team have got near the building, he's felt there's too much waste, not enough engagement, not enough spirit.

'He could be trying to compare it to his INEOS business, which would be a mistake. Football clubs are a lot more organic than industrial businesses – there are huge differences.

'Football is so heavily reliant on human beings. Ratcliffe is very hands-on himself. We've gone back to an old-fashioned dictatorship style, to a degree.

'I hoped he might be a bit more enlightened. We might see some fresh thinking, but he's gone back to some old-fashioned management principles.'