Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come under fire for what critics are calling a series of “mad” and dysfunctional decisions since taking over football operations at Old Trafford in early 2024.
A former football club owner with a successful history in the sport has voiced strong concerns over Ratcliffe’s approach, citing a mismatch between lavish spending on player wages and sharp cost-cutting elsewhere in the club. At the centre of the criticism is the eye-watering £370,000-a-week salary paid to veteran midfielder Casemiro, which stands in stark contrast to internal austerity measures, such as eliminating staff lunches and reducing backroom personnel.
The former executive, who nearly bought Manchester United in the late 1980s, questioned the rationale behind these financial decisions, labelling them as contradictory and ultimately harmful to the fabric of the club. “Why would anyone pay such huge wages to one player while cutting food for staff and letting go of essential support staff?” he remarked, describing it as “shoot-your-head stuff.”
Ratcliffe, who also owns petrochemical interests, defended the changes, arguing that he had never benefited from perks like free lunches in his previous ventures and suggesting that cost discipline was essential. However, his critics argue that football cannot be run with the same approach as heavy industry. They contend that a football club, especially one with the cultural and historical magnitude of Manchester United, is driven by more than balance sheets it’s about people, identity, and tradition.
The restructuring efforts have raised fears that the new ownership style may be eroding the soul of the club. Concerns are growing that the values and community feel that have long defined Manchester United could be at risk under Ratcliffe’s leadership. Critics point to the symbolic nature of scrapping hot meals for staff and downsizing departments as signs that the heart of the club is being ignored in pursuit of corporate efficiency.
Moreover, there’s unease about how such changes could affect morale within the organization. United is more than just a football institution it is a global brand built on a foundation of community, tradition, and loyalty. Disregarding the “people” who form the backbone of that legacy could have long-term repercussions, both on and off the pitch.
Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority stake and influence over football operations was initially met with optimism by supporters eager for change. But these recent developments have sparked doubts about the direction of the club. The message from critics is clear: reforms may be necessary, but they should not come at the expense of the club’s identity.
