Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made several questionable decisions since taking control of football operations at Man Utd.
Peter Schmeichel provided his verdict.(Image: Sky Bet)
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Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel is "a little disappointed" with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's regime at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe gained control of football operations in 2024, but he has overseen several mistakes.
The Ineos regime's first big decision ahead of Ratcliffe's first full season as co-owner was to address Erik ten Hag's future. The Dutchman's contract was extended and he was sacked a few months later.
After Ten Hag's exit, Ruud van Nistelrooy took over on an interim basis before Ruben Amorim was appointed. United paid around £11million to release him from his contract at Sporting, but Amorim lasted just 14 months in charge in Manchester and received a £10m compensation package when he was axed.
Dan Ashworth departed his role as sporting director at United shortly after Amorim's appointment. Ratcliffe paid a combined £14.5m to sack Ten Hag, his backroom staff and Ashworth. Ratcliffe has also copped flak for decisions off the pitch, with fans protesting against the decision to increase Premier League ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.
Schmeichel recently sat down for an interview with Sky Bet and was asked for his thoughts on Ratcliffe's regime following another managerial sacking. "“I have to say, I’m a little disappointed," he said. "When you bring someone in who’s a Manchester United fan, you think this could be good for the club. But a lot of the big decisions haven’t been right. There hasn’t been a strong, positive narrative around Manchester United – and for me, that’s probably the most disappointing part.
"Because I thought the best thing would be to forget about the owners, focus on the football, and let the football do the talking. But in the last two years, we’ve said goodbye to a sporting director and two managers.
“I don’t think that’s where Manchester United should be – or where we, as fans, want the club to be. So, in that respect, it hasn’t been great. But it’s not easy, is it? Running a football club is never simple.”
Michael Carrick has been appointed as head coach for the remainder of the season. Although Carrick oversaw a superb win against Manchester City in his first game, Schmeichel is not getting carried away.
“It’s far too early," he said when asked what Carrick had to achieve to be given the job permanently in the summer. "The narrative coming out of the club is that they’re going to appoint a caretaker manager and then make a permanent appointment in the summer. He’s only managed one game.
"Michael Carrick is as good a name as any that’s been mentioned, but we need to take our time. Give him space and peace to work with the team. If it works, then great.
"But I’m not going to get into the discussion of whether he’ll get the job, whether he’s the best candidate, or who else might be in the running. It’s far too premature, and I’m not going to mention names.”