One of the nation's top body language experts has cast doubt on a pivotal part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revealing interview with Gary Neville. The Manchester United co-owner's chat with the former Red Devils captain spanned from the club's fiscal health to lacklustre player performances. However, Judi James, an esteemed body language analyst, has suspects Ratcliffe was less than truthful with Neville regarding his time at the club.
Since Ratcliffe's stake in United was confirmed in February 2024, he has had influence over football matters with his 28.94 per cent share, while the Glazers maintain a significant 48.9 per cent control of the club. James observed that Ratcliffe seemed visibly uncomfortable when discussing the family that took over United in 2005.
"The most dramatic body language feature is his apparent utter discomfort when the Glazer family are mentioned," James said. "Ratcliffe squirms in his seat here before folding his arms in a barrier ritual. He rubs his nose and sniffs and rubs his neck in a gesture of anxiety."
James' assertion of Ratcliffe's 'false' remark came as Neville asked the INEOS chief if the challenge of taking on United has been a bigger challenge that expected. Ratcliffe responded: "We are in the middle of a period of change at the moment. Nobody likes change, it's uncomfortable, and we are in the midst of it."
However, James disputed his assertion. She said: "He [Ratcliffe] scratches his mouth, sighs and rubs his chin and appears to perform some verbal swerves at this point, throwing out workplace cliches like 'human beings don't like change', which is not only a cliche but also untrue. Humans love change when they feel they have some form of control of agreement over it."
Since Ratcliffe joined United's ownership, he has faced scrutiny for a series of controversial actions including job cuts and cutbacks on non-playing staff amenities at the club. According to the body language specialist, Ratcliffe displays a calculative tendency towards the club’s finances, reports the Mirror.
"He is self-effacing, which is always an attractive trait but his moments of stronger eye contact during this interview also suggests a less obvious capacity for taking non-negotiable stands when it comes to finances," James said.
"Ratcliffe uses the table as his imaginary financial flow-chart, with his hands pointing to the table to show off invisible figures that he can clearly see in his mind's eye. His moves become forensic as he places a clawed hand or a lidding hand on the table to point out the figures that pour out of his mouth."