Sir Jim Ratcliffe has strongly criticized several Manchester United players, labeling some as “not good enough” and “overpaid.” He specifically mentioned Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund, and André Onana while discussing the challenges his ownership group inherited.
Ratcliffe acknowledged that United is in a difficult transition period, burdened by costly signings made before his takeover. He highlighted the ongoing financial strain, including large transfer fee installments due in the summer. Using Sancho as an example, he pointed out that United is still paying part of the winger’s wages despite his loan move to Chelsea and will owe another £17 million to complete his transfer.
The co-owner reaffirmed his belief in new manager Ruben Amorim, stating that he expects him to remain in charge for a “long time.” He credited Amorim with managing a challenging situation, particularly given the number of injuries in the squad. With United sitting 14th in the Premier League and struggling for form, Ratcliffe stressed that patience is needed to reshape the team.
He also admitted that keeping Erik ten Hag last summer was a mistake. While Ten Hag had been given a chance to oversee a significant summer spending spree, Ratcliffe now concedes that his removal should have happened sooner. He also acknowledged that hiring sporting director Dan Ashworth was an error.
United’s financial situation remains a major concern. The club has lost £300 million over the past three years, leading to cost-cutting measures, including 450 staff redundancies, the closure of the club canteen, and increased ticket prices. Ratcliffe justified these decisions, stating that without such steps, the club would have run out of money by the end of 2025.
Despite the financial struggles, he assured that there will be a summer transfer budget, though player sales could supplement it. However, he dismissed suggestions that young talents like Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho would be sold purely for financial reasons.
Looking ahead, Ratcliffe remains committed to “Mission 21,” his plan to win a 21st league title by 2028. He compared United’s current rebuilding process to Liverpool’s transformation under Jürgen Klopp, emphasizing the need for patience and smart recruitment.
Plans for a new stadium are set to be announced, with United considering building a state-of-the-art venue on Old Trafford’s current site. Ratcliffe believes this will be a crucial step in modernizing the club’s infrastructure and securing its long-term success.
