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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s squad, labelling some players as “not good enough” and “probably overpaid” as he assesses the club’s struggles since his arrival.
Since taking charge of football operations in February last year, the British billionaire has endured a tough start to his tenure at Old Trafford. In a candid interview with the BBC, Ratcliffe singled out several players, including Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, as sources of his frustration. Sancho and Antony are currently on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively, after failing to meet expectations at United.
Highlighting the club’s ongoing financial burden from past transfers, Ratcliffe expressed dismay over still paying instalments for players he had no involvement in signing. “If you look at the players we are buying this summer—that we didn’t buy—we’re buying Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Højlund, Sancho. These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not,” he said.
He admitted that some of these signings had failed to live up to their price tags, adding, “Some are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid, but for us to mould the squad in our vision, it will take time.”
Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, United retained Erik ten Hag as manager after winning the FA Cup. However, Ratcliffe admitted that decision was a mistake, as was the appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director. Ten Hag was sacked in October and replaced by Ruben Amorim, while Ashworth left the club after just five months in December.
“I agree the Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors,” Ratcliffe conceded. “There were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately, they were mistakes. I accept that and apologise for that.”
Despite United languishing in 14th place under Amorim, Ratcliffe reaffirmed his faith in the Portuguese coach. “If I look at the squad available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job, to be honest,” he said. “I believe Ruben is an outstanding young manager, and I think he will be here for a long time.”
Backing Amorim’s decision to send Marcus Rashford on loan to Aston Villa, Ratcliffe emphasised the need for total commitment in the dressing room. “He wants a squad filled with players who are completely dedicated to winning. He won’t tolerate anything less.”
Ratcliffe’s comments come amid growing discontent among United fans, with thousands protesting against the club’s ownership before Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Supporters directed angry chants at both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, following controversial decisions including mid-season ticket price increases and significant staff layoffs.
Defending the club’s cost-cutting measures, Ratcliffe warned, “If we don’t make these changes, we would run out of money by Christmas.” However, he maintained that his ultimate goal is to restore United’s former glory.
United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. While the gap between them and current title favourites Liverpool remains vast, Ratcliffe remains optimistic. He reiterated his ambitious goal of winning the league by 2028, coinciding with United’s 150th anniversary, stating, “It’s not impossible.”
