BREAKING NEWS: Sir Jim Ratcliffe Criticizes Manchester United’s Past Signings and Outlines Bold Vision for the Future.

Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has openly criticized a number of high-profile players currently with the team, labeling some as “not good enough” and “overpaid.” Speaking in several interviews, Ratcliffe pointed to players like Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund, and André Onana, arguing their acquisitions were expensive missteps made by prior management.

During a conversation with the BBC, Ratcliffe commented on past recruitment choices, stating:

“If you look at the players we’ve ended up with—Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Højlund, Sancho—these are not choices we made, but we’ve inherited them. Whether we like it or not, it’s now our responsibility to sort through those decisions and reshape the squad.”

He disclosed that United continues to pay part of Sancho’s salary even though he’s currently playing on loan at Chelsea, and highlighted that Antony is temporarily with Real Betis. Despite the significant transfer fees—Antony (£81m), Casemiro (£70m), Højlund (£72m), and Onana (£47m)—Ratcliffe admitted their performances haven’t matched expectations.

“Some aren’t at the level we need. Some are being paid more than they should be. But it will take time to reshape this squad into something we’re truly accountable for.”

He gave credit to Bruno Fernandes, referring to the club captain as “a fantastic footballer,” and pointed out there is still talent within the team despite its recent difficulties.

Ratcliffe admitted that retaining Erik ten Hag last summer was a misstep, as was bringing in Dan Ashworth as sporting director—decisions he now regrets.

“We made those calls too early—before our management team had time to evaluate properly. I admit we got it wrong, and I apologize.”

Looking forward, Ratcliffe expressed full support for Rúben Amorim, who took over following Ten Hag’s exit.

“Ruben is an excellent manager—young, dynamic, and already making an impact. I believe he’ll be here for a long time.”

He also addressed the club’s financial challenges, explaining that without his intervention, United was approaching financial collapse.

“Without drastic changes, the club would’ve run out of money by Christmas 2025. That’s why we’ve made difficult decisions—cutting staff, reducing expenses, and being more strategic about transfers.”

Although spending in January was limited, he confirmed Amorim will receive backing in the upcoming summer transfer window. However, funds may be supplemented by outgoing transfers. Still, Ratcliffe made it clear that promising academy players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho would not be sold.

“We won’t be offloading youth talents just to balance the books.”

The club has also implemented substantial internal reductions, including over 400 staff layoffs, shutting down staff cafeterias, and increasing ticket prices to £66. Despite criticism, Ratcliffe defended these actions as vital for the club’s financial health.

He also justified the emphasis on the men’s team, noting that £640m of United’s £650m revenue stems from it, thus warranting its business prioritization.

His initiative, “Mission 21,” sets out to capture a 21st league championship by 2028, aligning with the club’s 150th anniversary.

“It’s not impossible. Just look at what Klopp did at Liverpool. They rebuilt over time, and it paid off.”

A decision regarding Old Trafford’s future—possibly making way for what Ratcliffe envisions as “the most iconic stadium in the world”—is expected soon.

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