Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched a scathing assessment of Manchester United’s squad, declaring some players are “not good enough” and “overpaid”.
The billionaire co-owner, who acquired a 28.94% stake in the club last year, specifically named five players as problematic “inherited” signings.
Midfielder Casemiro, striker Rasmus Hojlund, goalkeeper Andre Onana, and on-loan wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho were all singled out by the 72-year-old.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ratcliffe lamented the financial burden of these players as United sit 14th in the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was very honest about mistakes made by United recently
Sky Sports
His comments come just a day after fans protested against the club’s ownership.
The five players Ratcliffe criticised represent a combined investment of over £300 million in transfer fees alone.
Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid for £70m in 2022 and became United’s highest earner on more than £300,000 weekly.
Antony joined from Ajax for £86.3m, with his salary reportedly quintupled to around £200,000-a-week.
Onana cost £47.2m, while Hojlund arrived for £72m. Sancho was acquired for £72.9m in 2021.
“For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17m to buy him in the summer,” Ratcliffe revealed.
Both Sancho and Antony are currently on loan, while Hojlund has scored just seven goals this season.
Ratcliffe painted a stark picture of United’s financial predicament, revealing the club would “run out of money by Christmas” without drastic action.
“Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of this year – by the end of 2025 – after having me put $300m (£232.72m) in and if we buy no new players in the summer,” he stated.
The Ineos chairman defended unpopular cost-cutting measures, including staff redundancies and the removal of free lunches.
“The club had got bloated so we reduced that and will finish it with a lean and efficient organisation,” Ratcliffe explained.
He noted the club had been spending more than it earned for seven consecutive seasons.
Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro were among the five named by Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Reuters
Despite United’s poor league position, Ratcliffe offered unwavering support for manager Ruben Amorim, who was appointed in November following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time,” Ratcliffe said.
He cited “a long list of injuries” hampering the Portuguese coach, who arrived mid-season.
“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” he added.
Ratcliffe confirmed Amorim will have money to spend this summer despite financial constraints.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has backed Ruben Amorim to succeed at United
Reuters
Ratcliffe candidly admitted to making errors since taking control of United’s football operations.
“I agree the Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors,” he confessed, referring to backing Ten Hag last summer only to sack him months later at a cost of £20m.
Despite these missteps, Ratcliffe remains committed to his ambitious target of winning the Premier League by 2028, the club’s 150th anniversary.
“I don’t think it’s mission impossible,” he insisted.