A string of cost-cutting measures at Manchester United are having a negative affect on the mood at the Premier League champions, according to a 'Manchester United legend' talking to the British press.

Former players who work as corporate hospitality hosts on matchdays have reportedly had their seats for the games taken away, and are instead forced to watch games on television inside the ground. The Sun newspaper quotes the unnamed former player as saying: "The cuts are really starting to affect people's morale. The staff are at a low ebb. We can't even watch the game or have some hot food to eat - even if seats are free and food is left over.

"The cuts seem to be affecting all areas of the club. You just have to hope it does not affect Sir Alex [Ferguson, United's manager] or any team-building."

That seems unlikely. Despite concerns when the Glazer family took control of United, they have consistently backed Ferguson in the transfer market, and the team have delivered three Premier League titles in a row. Still, argues the newspaper, the money the owners have taken from the club to service the debt they acquired to buy it has had a detrimental effect. 'A conservative estimate puts the total of money taken from United to service the debt at £250m,' the newspaper claims, adding that, 'Tickets have risen by an average of 42 per cent since the Glazer takeover.'

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A United spokesman dismissed the newspaper's concerns, saying: "Like any business the club keeps a close eye on costs and tries to identify areas where savings can be made."