Sir Jim Ratcliffe Warns He Could Walk Away from Manchester United Amidst Fan Backlash

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted he would consider stepping away from the club if fan criticism reached the intense levels of abuse previously directed at the Glazer family.

The 72-year-old billionaire, who acquired a 28.94% stake in United for £1.3bn last year, has overseen major restructuring efforts since gaining control of football operations. His tenure has included cost-cutting measures, staff layoffs, and controversial mid-season ticket price hikes impacting under-16s and pensioners.

In an interview with The Times, Ratcliffe acknowledged he was prepared for a degree of unpopularity but warned that excessive hostility could force him out.

"I can handle some criticism," he stated. "Nobody likes seeing Manchester United in its current state, and difficult decisions have to be made. But if it ever reached the level of abuse the Glazers have faced, I’d have to step aside and let someone else take over."

Ratcliffe pointed out that the Glazer family, who retain a majority stake in the club, have largely withdrawn from public view due to intense fan resentment. “They can’t really attend matches anymore; they’ve taken a step back, and now I’m the one in the firing line,” he said. “I don’t have security, but if it got to that point, it just wouldn’t be worth it.”

Bold Plans and Growing Criticism

Despite United's struggles on the pitch, Ratcliffe has taken an assertive approach behind the scenes. His cost-cutting drive has resulted in redundancies, with up to 200 more staff expected to leave following 250 departures last year. He has also been vocal about player performance, recently stating that some members of the squad are "overpaid" and "not good enough."

His plans for a £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium to replace Old Trafford have divided opinion, with some supporters concerned about the financial implications.

The Glazers, who took control of Manchester United in a controversial leveraged buyout in 2005, have long been the target of fan anger. Recent protests against the club’s ownership have intensified, with banners accusing the Glazers of siphoning £1bn from the club and demands for a return to fan-centric management.

Despite the backlash, Ratcliffe remains committed to his vision—at least for now. However, his warning makes it clear that continued hostility from supporters could see yet another shift in United’s ownership landscape.

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