Manchester United on fire: The club owner rips into his players

The arrival of the INEOS Group at Manchester United was initially seen as a beacon of hope. After purchasing the footballing side of the club from the Glazers, whose management was increasingly disliked by the fans, many believed that a new chapter had begun. INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was viewed as a fresh force capable of returning the club to glory. However, despite the optimism, Manchester United is currently experiencing one of its worst seasons in recent history. From a sporting perspective, the club is in crisis.

While the current situation may seem bleak, the INEOS Group’s plan for Manchester United is not a quick-fix solution. Ratcliffe and his team are focused on long-term growth, as evidenced by their ambitious stadium project announcement. However, beyond the infrastructure, there is a deeper struggle within the team itself, one Ratcliffe did not hesitate to address during an interview with BBC Sport.

Ratcliffe's Direct Criticism: The Inherited Players

In his interview, Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not hold back, pointing directly at the players brought in under the Glazers’ management, singling out five of them. "If you look, there are players we are still paying for this summer. Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Hojlund, Sancho… These are things from the past that, whether we like it or not, we have inherited and need to resolve," Ratcliffe explained. His words reflect a critical acknowledgment that the club’s recent signings have not delivered the expected results, leaving the team in a difficult position.

The list of players Ratcliffe mentioned highlights a concerning issue. Antony, a highly-promising winger; Casemiro, the experienced defensive midfielder; Onana, the goalkeeper brought in to solve a long-standing issue; Hojlund, the young striker recruited to provide firepower; and Sancho, whose future now lies away from Old Trafford at Chelsea. Ratcliffe’s comments make it clear that these players, who arrived with high hopes, have not lived up to expectations, putting the club in a challenging situation.

According to Ratcliffe, the blame does not fall on the current ownership but rather the previous one, who made decisions that have left INEOS with a problematic squad. "Some of these players are not good enough, and others we paid too much for," he bluntly stated. This direct approach reflects the major challenges Manchester United faces as it seeks to rebuild. While the club remains committed to long-term progress, it is clear that the transition will not be immediate.

The Harsh Financial Reality

Ratcliffe also highlighted the financial burden inherited from the previous administration, particularly in relation to Jadon Sancho. Sancho, now on loan at Chelsea, remains a financial commitment for Manchester United, with the club still paying half of his salary. "For example, Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea, we pay half of his salary, and this summer we have to pay £17 million for his transfer," Ratcliffe revealed. This financial strain only adds to the complexity of rebuilding the squad. Ratcliffe’s acknowledgement of these figures underscores the delicate balancing act the club must maintain as it attempts to rectify the mistakes of the past.

The club’s ownership is clearly aware that the road ahead will be tough. The financial commitments to players who are no longer part of the team’s plans, coupled with underperforming signings, represent an ongoing burden that will take time to clear. As Ratcliffe noted, the club must work through this period of transformation, shedding the remnants of past decisions and building the future.

A Long-Term Project: Patience and Transformation

The key takeaway from Ratcliffe’s comments is the emphasis on patience. The INEOS Group’s vision for Manchester United is not one of instant gratification, but a measured approach aimed at reshaping the club from the ground up. As Ratcliffe pointed out, the process of "leaving the past behind" will take time. The future success of the club depends on addressing these inherited issues, which will require both sporting and financial investments.

Ratcliffe’s statement also reflects a clear understanding of the pressure facing the club. Manchester United has a glorious history, and its fans expect nothing less than a return to the top of European football. However, with the current squad struggling and the financial commitments from previous administrations still in place, the path to recovery will not be quick.

Despite the challenges, the INEOS Group remains committed to its long-term vision. The new stadium project is only one part of a much larger puzzle. In addition to improving the infrastructure, the focus must be on rebuilding the squad, identifying the right players, and making smarter investments in the transfer market.

The Path Ahead: A Challenge for INEOS

For Manchester United, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. The club is in a period of transition, with many issues to resolve both on and off the pitch. However, the INEOS Group’s approach signals a commitment to restoring the club’s stature over time. While the current squad is struggling and the financial situation is far from ideal, there is hope that the club will eventually emerge stronger from this period of transformation.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s candid comments serve as a reminder that rebuilding Manchester United will take time, patience, and significant effort. But for those who have followed INEOS’s success in other sports, there is reason to believe that this new chapter could ultimately bring the desired results.