Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticizes overpaid and underperforming Manchester United stars

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expressed frustration over the club’s underwhelming performances, branding some players as "not good enough" and "probably overpaid." Since taking over football operations in February last year, Ratcliffe has faced significant challenges at Old Trafford.

The British billionaire pinpointed Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Antony as major disappointments. Both Sancho and Antony are currently out on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively, following inconsistent spells at United.

Speaking to the BBC about the club’s ongoing financial commitments, Ratcliffe remarked, "If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn't buy, we're buying Antony, we're buying Casemiro, we're buying Onana, we're buying Hojlund, we're buying Sancho. These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we've inherited those things and have to sort that out."

He specifically highlighted the financial burden of Sancho’s transfer, adding, "For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we're paying £17 million to buy him in the summer."

When questioned about whether these players were below United’s standards, Ratcliffe admitted, "Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time."

Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season and securing the FA Cup, Ratcliffe and his advisors initially retained Erik ten Hag as manager. However, following a poor start to the new campaign, the Dutchman was dismissed in October and replaced by Ruben Amorim.

Reflecting on past decisions, the INEOS chairman conceded that keeping Ten Hag and appointing Dan Ashworth as sporting director—who departed after just five months—were both mistakes. "I agree the Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors," Ratcliffe admitted. "I think there were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately they were errors. I accept that and I apologise for that."

Despite United’s ongoing struggles under Amorim, which have left them in 14th place in the Premier League, Ratcliffe remains confident in the Portuguese manager. "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 said. "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."

SportsLigue