Sir Jim Ratcliffe interview: Man Utd co-owner says some players are ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’
When Ratcliffe and Ineos joined the Old Trafford hierarchy, many fans welcomed the arrival of teenage fans and billionaires to help restore the club’s former glory.
But a year later, the relationship with some supporters worsened.
Mid-season Increase the fares Affects those under 16 years of age and pension recipients, and Hundreds of layoffs The club’s moves have attracted criticism and have taken measures to cut costs, including canceling free lunches.
Ratcliffe admits he knows there will be challenges in getting into the club, “but it may be a little bigger than he expected.
“I don’t like reading newspapers these days,” he added. “I know it’s unwelcome, it’s uncomfortable for people, and some of the decisions we have to make are unpleasant. But it’s important to get Manchester United back to their feet. If people want to see Manchester United win the trophy again, then we have all these things.”
He revealed how the club’s financial situation: “United United will run out of cash before the end of this year (by the end of 2025) – after having me invested $300 million (£232.7 million) if we don’t buy new players in the summer.
“We are in a process of changing, it’s an uncomfortable time and destructive and I do feel sympathetic to the fans.
“The simple answer is that if we don’t do those things, the club will run out on Christmas.”
He said the cost has risen and the club’s spending is more than earnings in seven seasons.
“If you spend more than you earn in the end, that’s the way to destruction,” he said.
It was suggested that Ratcliffe, the club’s debt level and repayment of debt (with £37m in the last fiscal year) was a more pressing issue for fans.
“Interest is one of the costs, but that’s not the biggest cost for the club,” he said.
“And the club needs to restore order to their house, so it is on a good foundation on the financial basis of the future.
“Most clubs in the UK – most companies – have some form of debt. But if the club is really profitable, I think it will be years to come, then you can do a reversal. You can start paying off your debt. That’s where I think Manchester United should be.
“Ultimately, if you consider running a club that is big, with revenues of about £650 million, you’re going to spend a portion of the club running a club and a portion of it on that club.
“Where do you want to spend money? Do you want to spend money running a club or do you want to spend it on a squad? Because if you spend it on a squad, you get better results. By the end of the day, what is Manchester United here, if you don’t win trophys and silverware? We want to put the best players in the world, if we can put the best players in the world, not fear, not fear.
“My only interest is to return to Manchester United and return to greatness again.”
