Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Criticism Complicates Manchester United Takeover Hopes
Potential Manchester United buyer Sir Jim Ratcliffe is back in the headlines, but not for the smoothest reasons.
While the British billionaire appears interested in rescuing the troubled Red Devils, old comments he made about the club three years ago are stirring unrest among fans and insiders.
Ratcliffe, who recently tried (and failed) to buy Chelsea with a £4.25 billion bid, is now eyeing United if the club becomes available for sale.
One of his spokespersons confirmed:
“If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer. If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.”
However, complications have surfaced, all tracing back to what Ratcliffe said about United back in 2019.
Speaking to The Times, Ratcliffe criticized Manchester United’s management harshly:
“[Ineos] never wants to be the dumb money in town, never.
United are in quite a big pickle as a business.They haven’t got the manager selection right, haven’t bought well. They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred.
United have spent an immense amount since Sir Alex Ferguson left and been poor, to put it mildly. Shockingly poor, to be honest.”
Although brutally honest, the outspoken assessment now casts a shadow over his potential bid.
Especially with United fans still fiercely loyal to some players and sensitive about outside criticism.
Ratcliffe further emphasized that his approach with Ineos was to invest wisely, focusing on grassroots development and talent discovery, a strategy he believed United had abandoned.
Sir Jim’s Vision for Manchester United
Despite the criticisms that have resurfaced, Ratcliffe remains serious about acquiring the club.
Ineos sources suggest he’s not focused on past mistakes but on what can be fixed, aiming to revamp the club’s infrastructure, starting with a long-overdue upgrade to Old Trafford.
The company added:
“This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent.
Jim is looking at what can be done now, and knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
Fans remain divided; some welcome the idea of a passionate British owner with deep pockets, while others question whether Ratcliffe’s old criticisms might create unwanted friction if he eventually takes the helm.
What Fans Are Saying About Ratcliffe’s Possible Takeover
Reactions across social media and fan forums are a mixed bag, and rightly so.
Many fans are thrilled at the prospect of Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking over the club. He’s local, passionate about football, and not another faceless billionaire.
For some supporters, that’s already a big win.
“At least he knows what it means to support the badge — not like these silent owners sitting in yachts,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others, however, haven’t forgotten his 2019 comments, particularly the jab at Fred and the club’s poor recruitment record. While some praised his honesty, others viewed it as disrespectful.
“You can’t call our players ‘dumb money’ and expect a red carpet,” wrote one fan on Reddit’s r/RedDevils.
A few supporters are taking a wait-and-see approach, wanting proof that Ratcliffe isn’t just good at making noise but also capable of building a sustainable football project.
Overall, there’s one thing most fans agree on:
Manchester United desperately needs new direction, and if Ratcliffe is serious about a reset, then perhaps it’s time to focus on the future, not the past.
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