Nike say they have entered into a consultation process with staff

Workers at Old Trafford megastore offered no assurances about jobs

Dozens of staff at Manchester United's Megastore, including mascot Fred the Red, are sweating over their futures with the club's world-record £750m kit deal about to kick in.

On July 31 Nike, who employ Fred and a number of other workers at the Old Trafford shop, will see their agreement with the club expire.

Some claim they are being kept in the dark over whether they will be re-employed, blaming the US sportswear giants for the issue.

Manchester United mascot Fred the Red is among club megastore staff sweating over their jobs

A Manchester United fan wearing an Eric Cantona shirt outside the Old Trafford megastore on Sunday

However, Nike say they are in constant communication with the club and have entered into a consultation process with the staff.

A United source told Sportsmail: 'All the staff are all worried sick about it. Some have left already because they can't wait. It's out of order. They are all good people who work in there, and a lot of them don't make much more than the minimum wage, and they can do without this.

'It seems as though Nike are using them as scapegoats because they have lost the rights to adidas. You would think someone could just tell them they are going to be alright.'

United are yet to make an official announcement about the Megastore after they kept hold of the rights as part of their huge deal with adidas.

Fred the Red, who has been United's official mascot since 1994, with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson

The popular Old Trafford mascot poses with former defender Nemanja Vidic in May 2014

FRED THE RED Fred the Red has been Manchester United's official mascot since 1994 and represents the club's nickname, The Red Devils. He wears the No 55 shirt and entertains the crowd at Old Trafford before matches. Advertisement

It could prove to be a shrewd move given that they will not have to pay royalties on any items sold within the facility, which is based the East Stand and attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Most staff work in the store itself, although many work in the warehouse behind it.

A Nike spokesman revealed that talks were ongoing but failed to give any assurances.

'Nike is in constant communication with Manchester United on the transition of the store management to the club,' they said.

'We are actively engaged in a consultation process with the store employees and have created an employee representation group for this specific purpose.'

United will head to the US for a summer tour and are expected to have to wear their existing Nike kit.