Sir Jim Ratcliffe Launches Scathing Critique on Underperforming Manchester United Squad
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and owner of Nice, has ignited controversy with his recent remarks about Manchester United’s struggling squad, declaring that some players are “not good enough” and “overpaid.” This pointed criticism has not only drawn ire from fans and staff at Old Trafford but has also stirred discontent among those associated with Nice.
In response to Ratcliffe’s remarks, Nice’s manager, Franck Haise, has come forward to defend his team, suggesting that the owner has not been sufficiently engaged with the club’s current affairs, claiming that he hasn’t attended a single match this season. “The article that featured his comments was much broader than just that. However, he hasn’t seen a Nice match this season,” Haise stated. “He’s speaking more about what he witnessed at another time.” This remark underscores the disconnect between Ratcliffe’s observations and the reality of Haise’s squad.
Despite the tension these comments have created, Haise has attempted to downplay any potential rift between himself and Ratcliffe, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the team’s progress: “We can be annoyed, and that’s obvious, but is it really worth staying annoyed for a long time? We must keep working, enjoying ourselves, and strive to do our best.”
Highlights from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Tenure at Manchester United
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority acquisition of Manchester United was confirmed on Christmas Eve of 2023, marking the beginning of a tumultuous chapter for the club.
- December 2023: Announcement of Ratcliffe’s takeover, pledging to invest £245 million into Old Trafford.
- January 2024: Ratcliffe and his associate Sir Dave Brailsford spotted meeting manager Erik ten Hag during a visit to Carrington.
- January 2024: Omar Berrada, previously with Man City, is hired as the new CEO.
- February 2024: Completion of Ratcliffe’s £1 billion, 27.7% takeover.
- February 2024: Former CEO Richard Arnold resigns, with Ineos representatives John Rees and Rob Nevin added to the board.
- March 2024: Ratcliffe instigates a ban on the use of terms like “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino.”
- March 2024: Matt Johnson is appointed as head of women’s football.
- March 2024: Plans announced for a “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford.
- March 2024: Man Utd shares plummet on NYSE from $20.52 to $13.73.
- April 2024: Cancellation of senior staff club credit cards and private vehicles.
- April 2024: John Murtough departs as football director.
- April 2024: Jason Wilcox takes on the role of technical director after a compensation agreement with Southampton.
- May 2024: Ratcliffe sends out a contentious email criticizing the “disgraceful” cleanliness at Carrington, creating a toxic atmosphere.
- May 2024: Repairs commence on the leaking roof of Old Trafford.
- May 2024: Utd finishes in eighth place in the Premier League, marking their worst performance ever.
- May 2024: Employees are given a week to decide on redundancy options.
- May 2024: Staff required to cover their own transport for the FA Cup final, with only one ticket provided.
- May 2024: Pre-match festivities and accommodations for senior staff before the FA Cup final are eliminated.
- May 2024: Against expectations, Utd triumphs over rivals Man City to win the FA Cup, despite speculation surrounding Erik ten Hag’s potential dismissal.
- June 2024: Announcement of a £50 million plan to upgrade Carrington training facilities.
- June 2024: Implementation of a strict “back to work” policy requiring staff to return to the office.
- July 2024: Ratcliffe makes controversial comments regarding the women’s team.
- July 2024: Utd finalizes a deal for Dan Ashworth as sporting director after an extended period of gardening leave at Newcastle.
- July 2024: Erik ten Hag unexpectedly signs a contract extension until 2026.
- July 2024: Coaching staff reshuffle includes the hiring of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistant managers.
- July 2024: Christopher Vivell joins as interim director of recruitment on a short-term contract.
- July 2024: Jean-Claude Blanc is appointed to the Manchester United board.
- July 2024: Reduction of the number of staff attending the US pre-season tour to 125.
- July 2024: Ratcliffe announces 250 job cuts, impacting several well-known figures within the club.
- August 2024: Utd spends £199 million during the summer transfer window.
- August 2024: Lunch provisions for matchday staff are discontinued, with some eating near restroom facilities.
- October 2024: The club stops paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2 million annual salary as an ambassador.
- October 2024: Cancellation of the staff Christmas party.
- October 2024: The “back to work” policy incurs significant costs to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches.
- October 2024: Erik ten Hag is dismissed with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, incurring a £15 million payout.
- November 2024: Ruben Amorim is appointed as the new manager, signing a contract until 2027 after activating a £10 million release clause.
- November 2024: Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is fired by new manager Ruben Amorim.
- November 2024: Club executives are embroiled in a blame game regarding the chaotic summer, including issues with Erik ten Hag and transfer signings.
- November 2024: Reports indicate that Ratcliffe plans to reduce funding to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association by £40,000.
- December 2024: Ratcliffe expresses concerns about the “mediocre” state of Manchester United, stating they are “still in the last century.”
- December 2024: Fan protests erupt after the abolition of concession tickets for seniors and children, with minimum home ticket prices raised to £66.
- December 2024: Dan Ashworth is sacked after just five months in his role as sporting director.
- December 2024: The annual Christmas bonus for staff is replaced with a £40 M&S voucher instead of the usual £100.
- December 2024: A leaking ceiling interrupts Ruben Amorim’s press conference following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
- December 2024: Reports emerge of a mice infestation at Old Trafford, with rodent droppings found in food kiosks and luxury suites, leading to a decline in food hygiene ratings to just two stars.
- December 2024: SunSport reveals that Ratcliffe has cut a £40,000 donation to the Association of Former Manchester United Players charity.
Haise will be eager to prove Ratcliffe wrong as the season progresses. His Nice team currently sits in fourth place in Ligue 1, amidst a fierce six-team race for a coveted Champions League spot. While Paris Saint-Germain leads the league by a significant margin, Nice trails Marseille by a mere two points for second place. The top three teams are guaranteed direct entry into the league phase of the Champions League, while the fourth place must navigate qualifying rounds. Notably, Nice has not competed in the top European competition since the 2017-18 season but appears to have a stronger chance of qualification than United, who find themselves in 13th place in the Premier League. However, United may still secure a Champions League berth by clinching the Europa League title. Ruben Amorim’s squad is set to face Lyon in the quarter-finals in April, with the potential for a dramatic final against Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21.