Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year as Manchester United co-owner has been full of controversy.
Supporters were delighted to see an end to the takeover saga last December when Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased 25% of the club and assumed sporting control at Old Trafford.
The British billionaire’s aim is to take Manchester United back to the top, but he has experienced a very rocky first year at the club.
Eager to lower costs at the club, Ratcliffe cut 250 jobs at United and then controversially cut Sir Alex Ferguson’s contract.
Fans launched protests after Ratcliffe raised ticket prices at United to £66 and that decision only looks more embarrassing now that millions have been spent getting rid of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on November 3, 2024 in Manch...
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Gary Lineker slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘shambolic’ ownership
There have been positives to Ratcliffe’s ownership such as the training ground investment and plans for Old Trafford, but his reputation has taken a hit among the fanbase.
Sunday’s decision for Ashworth to leave as sporting director after just five months appears to be an extremely bizarre decision and it has put United back in the spotlight.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker criticised Ratcliffe’s time at the club, suggesting it has been even more “shambolic” than under the Glazers.
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“It’s funny isn’t it because Ratcliffe came in and everyone thought he’d bring in Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth and all is going to be well.
“But it’s actually been more shambolic.
“We saw the whole Ten Hag situation over the summer when they were interviewing other managers, then they ended up going back to Ten Hag and giving him a contract.
“Then a few months later they fire him and there’s loads of compensation and then they brought Dan Ashworth in and now he’s out the door. They put the ticket prices up and lots of fans are not happy about that.
“It’s been a shambles in many ways.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe risks losing Man United support
In his first year as co-owner, Ratcliffe has proved he is a ruthless decision-maker.
However, he risks facing the fury of supporters if he continues to take them for granted. The ticket price hike has become embarrassing given the amount of money that has been spent elsewhere in the club.
When Ratcliffe took charge, he promised more focus on on-pitch results and less about business and finance, but that hasn’t been the case so far.
Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules have shackled the club’s spending so costs do need to be controlled, but Ratcliffe has balanced the books at the cost of infuriating staff and fans – a dangerous move.
Ratcliffe has put all his faith in Omar Berrada after deciding to part ways with Ashworth. He needs a successful 2025 to avoid being put in the same bracket as the Glazers.
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