Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has revealed that he would consider walking away from the club if the criticism towards him becomes too much to bear. Ratcliffe, who acquired the club alongside Ineos, has faced growing discontent from supporters due to the team's poor performance on the field and various cost-cutting measures off it.
The 72-year-old acknowledged that he can tolerate being unpopular for a while, but admitted that the constant criticism would eventually take its toll. Ratcliffe drew parallels with the Glazer family, the club's previous owners, who faced intense scrutiny and abuse from fans.
"I can put up with it for a while," Ratcliffe told The Sunday Times. "I don't mind being unpopular, because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we're having to make at the moment."
However, Ratcliffe emphasized that he would not be able to withstand the level of abuse that the Glazer family faced. "If it reached the extent that the Glazer family has been abused, then I'd have to say, 'Look, enough's enough, guys; let somebody else do this.'" He noted that the Glazers have become reclusive, unable to attend matches due to the toxic atmosphere.
Ratcliffe's comments come amid a tumultuous season for Manchester United. The team has struggled on the field, currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League. Off the field, supporters have been vocal in their discontent with Ratcliffe and Ineos, protesting against the ownership and criticizing cost-cutting measures such as redundancies, ticket price increases, and the removal of free staff lunches.
Despite the challenges, Ratcliffe remains committed to the club's long-term vision, which includes plans for a new £2 billion stadium. However, he emphasized that he will not tolerate excessive criticism, stating, "It would defeat the object, wouldn't it? You couldn't tolerate it at that level; it just wouldn't be fun."
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