Sir Jim Ratcliffe has openly criticized Manchester United’s current state, labeling the club as “mediocre” and reiterating his determination to raise its standards. As a minority shareholder since earlier this year, Ratcliffe has been actively involved in reshaping several areas of the club, from Old Trafford’s modernization to adjusting ticket prices and, most importantly, improving the team’s on-field performance.
Despite a promising start under new manager Ruben Amorim—who has recorded two wins, a draw, and a loss to Arsenal—United finds itself languishing in mid-table. The club is far removed from the dominant force it once was under Sir Alex Ferguson, both domestically and in Europe.
In a candid interview with United We Stand, Ratcliffe outlined the significant work required to return Manchester United to its former elite status. Drawing a parallel with national governance, he emphasized that the club needs to make tough and unpopular decisions to move forward. While Ratcliffe acknowledged that transformation won’t happen overnight, he pointed out that tangible changes are already underway, including upgrades to Old Trafford, Carrington, and changes to the club’s footballing and executive structures. However, he noted that these changes are just the beginning and that much more work lies ahead, given the club’s stagnation over the past decade.
“Manchester United has become mediocre,” Ratcliffe admitted. “It’s no longer an elite club, but it should be—just as it was under Sir Alex Ferguson.” Ratcliffe is clear that achieving true elite status again will require major changes across the board, but he believes the groundwork for this transformation is already in motion.
One of Ratcliffe’s key concerns is the club’s underwhelming transfer strategy. “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that,” he said, acknowledging the need for significant improvement in this area. Ratcliffe stressed that to compete with the best in the world, United’s recruitment processes must be top-notch. He also highlighted the club’s poor use of data analysis, a vital tool for modern football recruitment, noting that United is far behind its competitors in this regard.
Improving recruitment, Ratcliffe pointed out, is a long-term project that requires finding the right personnel. He also underscored the importance of financial efficiency to free up more funds for player investment. “We need to sweat every pound,” he remarked, stressing that the club must run more efficiently to increase its spending capacity.
Ratcliffe also admitted to his frustration with United’s current position, saying, “I don’t enjoy losing. I find it difficult.” Though the team’s performance has been disappointing, he remains determined. “It’s a big challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting,” he said. Ratcliffe is resolute in his belief that despite the setbacks, bringing Manchester United back to the pinnacle of world football will be a highly rewarding endeavor. “It’s a rocky road with many ups and downs, but we will get there,” he concluded.
