Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reign at Manchester United has been marred by growing scrutiny and controversy, as the club faces a turbulent period under his partial ownership. Despite a recent victory in the Europa League over Viktoria Plzeň, which strengthens United’s position, internal unrest at Old Trafford is palpable. Fans are increasingly unhappy, staff members have been dismissed, and the club’s performance on the pitch has left much to be desired.
One of the key points of controversy has been the abrupt sacking of Dan Ashworth, a move that caught many by surprise given the effort Ratcliffe made to bring Ashworth to the club. Ratcliffe had placed his trust in the advice of influential football figures, who praised Ashworth as one of the best in the industry. However, Ratcliffe seemed dissatisfied with the new organizational structure, and Ashworth became the scapegoat for the perceived issues. This decision highlights Ratcliffe’s approach to leadership, which is characterized by a willingness to make swift, often harsh, changes when things aren’t working.
Another question surrounding Ratcliffe’s management is the financial decisions being made at the club. Manchester United raised ticket prices for concessions, yet have spent millions on severance packages for fired executives like Ashworth and former manager Erik ten Hag. While such spending may appear questionable, Ratcliffe is known for his ruthless capitalist mindset. He is willing to invest heavily in executives who he believes can drive the club’s success but does not hesitate to cut costs elsewhere if he deems it necessary. This approach, though effective in business, has not been received well by fans who expect more consideration for the club’s financial decisions.
Under Ratcliffe's leadership, there has been little in the way of noticeable progress. Despite the high hopes many fans had when he took over, the club’s fortunes on the field have remained largely unchanged. While he has appointed Ruben Amorim as the manager, there has yet to be any significant shift in United's performances. Amorim’s philosophy of attractive football might be promising, but the team’s struggles in the Premier League and European competitions raise doubts. For United to return to its former glory, Ratcliffe’s regime will need more than just strategic hires—it will need to deliver tangible improvements on the pitch, something that has yet to materialize under his stewardship.
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