Sir Jim Ratcliffe has delivered a scathing assessment of Manchester United’s current state, branding the club as “mediocre” in his first major public critique since becoming minority owner.
In a revealing interview with United We Stand fanzine, the 72-year-old billionaire laid bare his concerns about the club’s decline over the past decade.
The Ineos chief’s frank comments, made just minutes ago, highlight the scale of transformation needed at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe’s stark evaluation touches on everything from outdated data analysis systems to questionable recruitment strategies that continue to burden the club financially.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe held nothing back
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“The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre,” Ratcliffe told the fanzine.
The minority owner was particularly pointed in comparing the current state to the club’s illustrious past.
“It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. That’s what it used to be under Alex,” he stated.
Ratcliffe emphasised that substantial changes would be required to restore United’s former status.
“There is major change to come to achieve elite status. But already there has been huge change at this club,” he added.
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One of Ratcliffe’s sharpest criticisms focused on Manchester United’s antiquated approach to data analysis.
“Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here,” the minority owner revealed.
He emphasised how far behind their competitors United have fallen in this crucial area.
“There’s immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here,” Ratcliffe stated.
He cautioned that improvements would take time, noting: “These things don’t happen overnight.”
Ratcliffe was particularly critical of the club’s recruitment strategy, which has seen massive spending on underperforming players.
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The club’s purchase of Antony for £82million and Casemiro for £70million were highlighted as examples of United’s misguided recruitment approach.
“Until we are as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United. We must have the best recruitment in the world,” Ratcliffe insisted.
He stressed that fixing these issues would require careful consideration and time.
“You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people,” he concluded.
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