Manchester United's cut-backs are fueling concerns of a limited transfer budget for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Sun says fears are growing that Ferguson will not have money to spend in the New Year as the club's £690million debt begins to bite.

The cost-cutting measures have stretched to United legends being BARRED from seats at Old Trafford after addressing fans in lounges - or even having a HOT MEAL!

And that is on top of continued ticket price rises and redundancies, which have affected presenters and other staff at the club's TV station MUTV.

One United legend, who did not want to be named, summed up the mood at the club.

He said: "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 or any team-building."

The cuts will have been sanctioned by co-chairman Joel and Avram Glazer and seen through by chief operating officer Michael Bolingbroke.

In the 4½ years since the Glazers took over, they have a net spend on transfers of just £6.25m.