Sir Jim Ratcliffe vows to transform Manchester United amidst ongoing challenges
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has delivered a blunt assessment of Manchester United’s current state, describing the club as "mediocre" while reaffirming his commitment to raising its standards. The INEOS founder, who became a minority shareholder earlier this year, has already begun implementing sweeping changes across various aspects of the club, from upgrading Old Trafford to improving ticket pricing and addressing on-field performance.
Although new manager Ruben Amorim has shown promise with two wins, a draw, and a narrow defeat to Arsenal in his first four matches, United remains stuck in mid-table mediocrity, far from the heights of their glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson. Ratcliffe, however, is determined to set the club back on a path to domestic and European dominance.
Speaking to United We Stand, Ratcliffe emphasized the need for tough decision-making. “To get Manchester United to where we want it to be, we must make hard, often unpopular decisions,” he explained. “Shying away from those won’t lead to change. It’s not something that will be resolved overnight, but we’ve already started making changes—here at Carrington, at Old Trafford, and within the football and executive structures.”
He acknowledged the club’s decade-long drift, stating, “This club has been stagnant for years, and to move forward, we need to make significant adjustments. Ruben [Amorim] coming in is part of that change, but there’s still a long journey ahead.”
Photo by Mylo Kaye
One of the most pressing issues Ratcliffe addressed is the club’s shortcomings in the transfer market. “Recruitment hasn’t been good enough, and I think most people would agree,” he said candidly. “For Manchester United, we need to be the best in the world at recruitment. That’s non-negotiable.”
Ratcliffe also criticized the club’s lack of modern data analysis, calling it “a glaring weakness.” “We’re lagging behind. The use of data in recruitment is essential, and we’re far from where we need to be. Fixing this won’t happen overnight—it requires finding the right people and building the right processes.”
Beyond recruitment, Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of efficient club management. “We need to run the club effectively and maximize every pound spent so we can invest more in players. Growth and smart financial management are crucial if we want to compete at the highest level,” he added.
Despite the uphill battle, Ratcliffe remains determined, acknowledging the emotional toll of the club’s struggles. “I hate losing—it’s something I find hard to accept,” he admitted. “Our results and league position are frustrating, but the challenge of restoring United to its rightful place is one of the biggest in sports. It’s a long, rocky road, but the rewards will be worth it if we succeed.”
With changes underway and a clear vision for the future, Ratcliffe’s ambition is to revitalize Manchester United and reclaim their status as one of football’s elite.