Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner of Manchester United, has openly criticized several players in the squad, stating that some are “not good enough.”
Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7 percent stake in the club, revealed the concerning financial situation Manchester United is in.
According to Ratcliffe, Manchester United has been losing money for the past seven years due to poor financial management, including excessive staff hiring and unsuccessful player signings. He suggested that without intervention, the club could have faced financial collapse by the end of 2025.
Many of these underperforming players were brought in for significant transfer fees and high wages, but their performances have not justified the investment.
Ratcliffe specifically named five players who represent the most problematic cases acquired before his investment.
In an interview, Ratcliffe mentioned Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho as examples of players bought for large sums.
He emphasized that these acquisitions were made in the past and are issues he has inherited and must resolve.
Ratcliffe noted the financial burden of players like Sancho, who is currently on loan at another club, with Manchester United still covering half of his wages and having paid a substantial fee for him.
These signings occurred during Erik ten Hag’s management and under the oversight of John Murtough and Richard Arnold at the executive level.
Ratcliffe stated that the club is burdened with £89 million in debt servicing this summer, even without any new player signings.
He commented that some players are not performing at the expected level, and some are likely overpaid.
Ratcliffe acknowledged that rebuilding the squad to his standards will take time, describing the current period as a “transformation” from past issues to a better future.
He did recognize the presence of talented players within the squad, specifically praising Bruno Fernandes as a “fantastic footballer” and essential to the team.
Ratcliffe believes the club is now prepared to make necessary changes to return to the top level of football. He understands that some of his decisions may be unpopular in the short term but are crucial for the club’s long-term success.
Key events during Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man Utd:
- December 2023: Minority takeover announced, £245m investment pledged.
- January 2024: Ratcliffe meets Erik ten Hag; Omar Berrada hired as CEO.
- February 2024: Takeover completed; Richard Arnold resigns.
- March 2024: Banned certain words; Matt Johnson appointed; New stadium plans announced.
- April 2024: Credit cards and cars cancelled; John Murtough quits; Jason Wilcox appointed.
- May 2024: Criticized Carrington’s cleanliness; Old Trafford roof repairs begin; Worst Premier League finish; Redundancy offers; FA Cup final transport issues; Pre-match party axed; FA Cup win.
- June 2024: £50m Carrington upgrade; “Back to work” policy; Comments on women’s team.
- July 2024: Dan Ashworth hired; Erik ten Hag contract extended; Coaching staff changes; Christopher Vivell joins; Jean-Claude Blanc added to board; Reduced US tour staff; 250 redundancies.
- August 2024: £199m spent on transfers; Matchday lunchboxes scrapped.
- October 2024: Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassador salary stopped; Christmas party cancelled; Office conversion costs; Erik ten Hag sacked.
- November 2024: Ruben Amorim appointed manager; Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed; Blame game over summer; Disabled supporters budget cut.
- December 2024: “Mediocre” Man Utd comment; Fan protests; Dan Ashworth sacked; Christmas bonus cut; Leaking ceiling; Mice infestation; Charity donation cut.
Ratcliffe supports manager Ruben Amorim and believes injuries have negatively impacted the team’s performance. He praised Amorim’s work and sees him as a long-term manager for the club.
He pointed out that despite a high salary bill, when adjusted for unavailable players, Manchester United’s wage expenditure is comparable to mid-table clubs rather than top teams like Manchester City or Liverpool.
Ratcliffe also mentioned plans for a new stadium and local area regeneration as positive steps for the club’s future.
In summary, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has provided a candid assessment of Manchester United’s current state, highlighting past mistakes and outlining his vision for the club’s recovery and future success.
Marcus Bellamy