‘Not Good Enough and Overpaid’: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Slams United Players
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has criticized Manchester United’s players, calling their performances “not good enough” and suggesting they are “overpaid.” The billionaire, who has a stake in the club, voiced his frustration over the team’s recent underperformance.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe Backs Ruben Amorim for Long-Term Role, Admits Mistakes with Ten Hag and Ashworth
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s co-owner, has expressed strong support for Ruben Amorim, stating that the Portuguese coach will be at the club for a “long time.” Ratcliffe also admitted that not sacking Erik ten Hag last summer was a mistake.
Ratcliffe was outspoken in his criticism of some United players, labeling them as “not good enough” and “overpaid.” He pointed to Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund, and André Onana as examples of players who have underperformed or have been overvalued. Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe acknowledged that these players were inherited when he took over the club, and that it will take time to move beyond these decisions.
“Some are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid,” Ratcliffe said, referencing the club’s recent signings. “But we’ll need time to transition from the past to the future. We’re responsible for building a new squad.”
Despite this, Ratcliffe pointed out that there are standout players in the team, such as Bruno Fernandes, who he described as a “fantastic footballer.”
After Ten Hag’s dismissal in October, Amorim was brought in on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Ratcliffe expressed confidence in the manager, praising his work so far, especially in light of United’s challenging league position. He also noted that Amorim has been doing well despite injury setbacks and a lack of squad depth, particularly in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, where many players were unavailable.
Ratcliffe also acknowledged United’s financial constraints after losing £300 million over the past three years. However, he reassured that Amorim would have funds for summer transfers, despite the club’s tight budget. “We won’t sell players like Mainoo or Garnacho to balance the books,” he said, “but we will make changes that supplement our budget.”
Reflecting on the past, Ratcliffe admitted that keeping Ten Hag and hiring Dan Ashworth as sporting director were errors, though he noted there were mitigating circumstances at the time. “It became clearer three months later that we got it wrong,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ratcliffe remains focused on his “Mission 21,” aiming to win United’s 21st league title by the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028. He believes this target is achievable, citing Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp as a model.
The Ineos owner has also implemented cost-cutting measures at the club, including 450 job redundancies and increased ticket prices. Ratcliffe justified these moves, saying the club would have gone bankrupt by Christmas without them. He also emphasized his focus on the men’s team, pointing to the significant revenue it generates compared to the women’s team.
Finally, Ratcliffe hinted at exciting developments for Old Trafford, with an announcement expected soon regarding plans to replace the stadium with what could become “the most iconic football stadium in the world.”
