Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority owner of Manchester United, has stated that he would consider departing from the club if he faced the same level of criticism as the Glazer family.
Since acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club from the widely disliked Glazers in 2023, Ratcliffe’s INEOS management has implemented significant changes at Old Trafford, many of which have been met with backlash.
He has overseen numerous staff layoffs as part of stringent cost-reduction strategies, revealing that the club was nearing a violation of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Additionally, Manchester United has announced intentions to vacate Old Trafford and construct a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000 seats, a project estimated to cost £2 billion.
Ratcliffe has faced ongoing criticism for the layoffs and for increasing ticket prices, and he has indicated that if the criticism becomes overwhelming, he may contemplate stepping away from his role.
Ratcliffe refuses to rule out leaving Man United
In an interview with The Times, Ratcliffe remarked, “I can endure this situation for a time. I am not concerned about being unpopular, as I understand that no one enjoys seeing Manchester United in its current state, nor do they appreciate the difficult decisions we are compelled to make at this time.
“If I attract some criticism, I can handle that. However, I am just like anyone else; it is not pleasant, especially for my friends and family.
“Ultimately, if the level of hostility directed at the Glazer family escalates, I would have to say, ‘Alright, that’s enough, let someone else take over.’
“The Glazers are unable to attend matches; they have somewhat withdrawn from the public eye, leaving me to face the backlash. We made the acquisition, and I have not seen them since. It feels like, ‘Thank you, Jim, you’re doing a great job.’
“Currently, I do not have security and do not have to navigate my surroundings in that manner. However, that would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it? Enduring that kind of treatment would simply not be enjoyable.”
How has it come to this for Man United?
Manchester United fans have engaged in numerous vocal protests against the Glazer family since they took full control of the club in 2005, including a demonstration prior to last weekend’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League against Arsenal.
Currently, the Red Devils are burdened with excessive debts exceeding £1 billion, which includes an outstanding £300 million in transfer fee obligations for players such as Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez, and Andre Onana.
Errors have not only occurred regarding player acquisitions; Ratcliffe has acknowledged his regret over not dismissing Erik ten Hag sooner, which has left Ruben Amorim to manage a squad that has struggled to adapt to his tactical approach.
Amorim has had just one transfer window to address some of the team’s issues, and his financial resources in January were limited, resulting in the addition of only Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to the squad.
Both defenders have made a favorable impact, and Amorim is anticipated to have the budget to acquire more players who fit his 3-4-3 formation this summer. However, both he and Ratcliffe recognize that Manchester United’s current position in 14th place in the Premier League is unacceptable.
On a positive note, the Red Devils made a significant statement in the Europa League by defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 this week, and they could secure a spot in the Champions League if they succeed in the second-tier tournament.
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