Manchester United’s co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, made some candid remarks on Monday, March 10, regarding the current state of the club. Ratcliffe expressed concerns that certain players within the squad are "not good enough" and that some are "overpaid." These statements come as the club has faced a series of disappointing performances this season, currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League standings following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Despite this, Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in February 2024, reiterated his commitment to reshaping the squad, acknowledging that improvements are needed, but it will take time to fix the team.
Ratcliffe's comments were particularly pointed when addressing some of the high-profile signings Manchester United has made in recent years. He specifically mentioned players such as Antony, Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho, admitting that, whether the club liked it or not, they had "inherited" these players and must now deal with the consequences. He highlighted the significant financial commitment to these players, particularly in relation to Jadon Sancho, who was sold to Chelsea but still has part of his wages paid by United. Ratcliffe disclosed that the club had spent £17 million ($21.87 million) on the deal for Sancho in the summer transfer window.
Ratcliffe’s admission that some players are underperforming and others are overpaid underscores the challenges that lie ahead for the club in terms of squad restructuring. He acknowledged that turning around the squad would take time and that it is crucial to focus on improving the team’s overall quality, rather than simply managing the existing player pool. "Some players are not good enough, and some probably are overpaid," Ratcliffe admitted. "But for us to mold the squad that we are fully responsible for and accountable for, it will take time."
On the subject of the current managerial situation, Ratcliffe expressed unwavering support for Ruben Amorim, the club’s manager, despite the team's struggles this season. Ratcliffe emphasized that Amorim is doing a commendable job with the resources available to him. "If I actually look at the squad available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job," Ratcliffe remarked. "I think he will be there for a long time." He pointed to moments of promise in the team’s recent performances, particularly against Arsenal, where he felt Amorim’s influence was beginning to show. Ratcliffe noted that while the results haven’t always been there, the foundations for success were being built, and he was confident that Amorim would continue to develop the squad over time.
Ratcliffe also commented on the overall state of the squad, stating that the club is in the midst of a transition and that it is crucial to support the manager during this period. He stressed that the current challenges were part of the larger process of rebuilding a club that had been through several managerial changes in recent years. Despite the frustrations, Ratcliffe’s backing of Amorim suggests the club has long-term plans to move forward with the current manager at the helm.
Looking ahead, Manchester United’s schedule remains challenging, with an important Europa League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Real Sociedad coming up on Thursday, March 13. The club will need a strong performance to progress to the next stage of the competition. Additionally, United faces a crucial Premier League match against Leicester City on Sunday, where they will look to gain vital points to climb the league standings. For Ratcliffe and the rest of the ownership group, this period is about finding stability and ensuring that the necessary changes are made to restore Manchester United to its former glory.
With the pressure mounting on Amorim and the squad, Ratcliffe’s comments reveal both the urgency of the situation and the need for patience. He highlighted that transforming a club of Manchester United’s stature takes time and that the process of reshaping the team should not be rushed. The road ahead for United may be rocky, but with Ratcliffe’s strategic vision and Amorim’s guidance, there remains hope that the club can regain its competitive edge in both domestic and European football.
