Manchester United are not doing well at the moment, both on and off the pitch. Now shareholder Jim Ratcliffe has spoken frankly – and was quite specific.
In a BBC interview, Jim Ratcliffe referred to the signings of Casemiro, André Onana, Rasmus Höjlund and the now loaned Antony (Real Betis) and Jadon Sancho (Chelsea, with a purchase obligation) as “things from the past”. “Whether we like it or not,” the 71-year-old explained, “we inherited them and now have to fix it”.
The shareholder, who sees the club in a “process of change”, has spoken openly and critically. It will take time to break away from the past and move to a new place in the future.
In Ratcliffe’s view, this clearly includes critically questioning the quality of the existing professional squad: “Some are not good enough and some are probably overpaid.” However, here too, it will take time before we have shaped the squad in such a way that we are fully responsible for it and can be held accountable.”
Controversial austerity policy at ManUnited
At the beginning of 2024, the British billionaire and founder of the chemical company INEOS had joined the Red Devils and secured 27.7 percent of the shares. Since December – and an investment of a further 95 million euros – the businessman even owns 28.94 percent of the club.
In fan circles, the entry of the long-time United fan over a year ago had sparked hope, of which there is little sign at the moment. As part of a major cost-cutting process, numerous positions off the field have recently been cut – even Sir Alex Ferguson’s time as club ambassador will end in the summer for this reason.
The severity of the club’s financial situation was once again highlighted by Ratcliffe: “Manchester United would have run out of money by the end of this year – that is, by the end of 2025 – even after I invested $300 million and if we don’t buy any new players over the summer.”
Since the Brit is not in favor of countering the financial difficulties with unwanted player sales, ticket prices were recently raised to a minimum of £66 (around €79). The result: outrage among the fans and loud protests against Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who are already heavily criticized as owners, such as in the run-up to the last home game against Arsenal (1:1).
Ratcliffe backs Amorim
As 14th in the Premier League table, the English record champions are stuck in a tabular no-man’s-land – far away from European business and the glory days of yore. Nevertheless, head coach Ruben Amorim still expects Ratcliffe to stay in Manchester “for a long time”: “When I look at the squad Ruben has at his disposal, I think he’s really doing a very good job.”
The Red Devils’ controversial austerity measures are not likely to end anytime soon, nor is the criticism of Ratcliffe and the Glazers. The club has to find ways to compensate for years of mismanagement and some hair-raising purchasing policies. Reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League would be at least a small first step. The second leg against Real Sociedad is on Thursday (9pm).
