In Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s push to revolutionise Manchester United from relic to ruthless winning machine, he possesses the vital element missing from previous ownership: a searing will to succeed.
As the controller of football policy and the largest minority shareholder, Ratcliffe has the executive power to engineer change. The previous decade under the Glazers saw little intent to ensure United were best in class. Ratcliffe, in contrast, has shown himself to be the polar opposite: a determined billionaire who, at 71, would not have invested in the club without serious ambition. The latest example of this approach is Marcus Rashford’s marginalisation and the decision to place him on the transfer list for January.
Rashford, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, was dropped for the recent 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City. The head coach explained the decision, emphasizing the importance of performance in training, matches, and overall professionalism, including how players dress, eat, and interact with teammates. While Garnacho appears to have a way back into the team, Rashford’s situation looks far more precarious. His relationship with the club has soured, and the forward is now deemed surplus to requirements.
The reasons are clear. A forward’s primary responsibility is to deliver goals and assists, but Rashford’s numbers have often been underwhelming. In close to a decade in the first team, he has never scored 20 goals in a Premier League season. His career-best tally of 30 goals and eight assists in 2022-23 included 17 league goals, matching his 2019-20 total. Other than that, double figures in the league have been achieved only twice: 10 goals in 2018-19 and 11 in 2020-21. Compared to elite forwards like Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, or Sergio Agüero, Rashford’s output falls short.
This season, Rashford has managed just seven goals in 24 appearances. Last season, after signing a lucrative five-year contract worth £365,000 a week, he scored only eight goals and was dropped from the England squad. Off-field incidents have also played a role in his decline. His birthday celebration at a nightclub following a derby defeat last October was deemed unacceptable by the previous head coach. Three months later, Rashford was reportedly seen in a Belfast nightclub before calling in sick for training. Similar disciplinary issues occurred earlier, including oversleeping and missing a team meeting.
Further scrutiny followed a flight to New York during last month’s international break. Although no rules were broken, these incidents reflect poorly on Rashford’s professionalism. Combined with his inconsistent performances, Ratcliffe and the head coach appear to have reached a decision: Rashford’s time at the club is up.
This move highlights Ratcliffe’s determination to address Manchester United’s underlying issues. The club’s standards and culture have fallen over the years, and Ratcliffe’s arrival has brought a renewed focus on commitment and professionalism. Described as “messy” and “painful” by insiders, the club’s current state demands tough decisions to ensure long-term success. Ratcliffe’s hands-on approach signals his intent to overhaul operations, both on and off the pitch.
His influence has already been felt. Omar Berrada has been brought in as chief executive, though Ratcliffe remains the driving force behind major decisions. Dan Ashworth’s departure after just five months as sporting director is another example of Ratcliffe’s decisive leadership. Unable to work with Ashworth, Ratcliffe opted to part ways rather than allow dysfunction to fester.
Rashford’s departure may not be straightforward, given his significant wages and the limited number of clubs capable of meeting his salary demands. However, Ratcliffe appears willing to cut the club’s losses, even considering a loan move if a permanent transfer proves unfeasible.
Ratcliffe’s approach has been described as ruthless but fair. His decision to reduce the club’s workforce by 250 employees this autumn was controversial, but he defended it as necessary to streamline operations. Similarly, his move to raise ticket prices for members reflects his belief that balancing financial sustainability with ambition requires making unpopular choices.
What is clear is Ratcliffe’s ambition to transform Manchester United. Whether he will succeed remains to be seen, but his actions leave no doubt about his intent. For fans eager to see the club return to its former glory, Ratcliffe’s resolve offers hope for a brighter future.
