Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, has launched a scathing critique of some of the club’s highest-earning players, labeling them as “not good enough” and “probably overpaid.” The British billionaire, whose INEOS group acquired a 28.94% stake in the Premier League giants in 2024, made the remarks in a candid interview with BBC Sport on Monday, March 10, as the club continues to grapple with a disappointing season.
Ratcliffe, who assumed control of football operations at Old Trafford in February 2024, did not mince words when addressing the squad he “inherited” from the previous regime under the Glazer family. He specifically named high-profile players such as midfielder Casemiro, goalkeeper Andre Onana, striker Rasmus Hojlund, and wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho—some of whom are currently on loan elsewhere—as examples of costly investments that have failed to deliver consistent performances. “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid,” Ratcliffe stated, emphasizing that reshaping the squad into one he can fully stand behind will be a gradual process.
The comments come at a turbulent time for Manchester United, who sit 14th in the Premier League table following a string of underwhelming results. The club’s last realistic shot at silverware this season rests on their Europa League campaign, with a crucial second-leg match against Real Sociedad looming on Thursday. Ratcliffe’s remarks follow widespread fan discontent, highlighted by protests against the club’s ownership before a recent match against Arsenal, where supporters voiced frustration over rising ticket prices, staff redundancies, and the team’s lackluster performances.
Despite the criticism of certain players, Ratcliffe expressed optimism about the club’s future under new head coach Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024. “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” Ratcliffe said. “I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce.” He also singled out captain Bruno Fernandes for praise, calling him a “fantastic footballer” and a vital asset the club “definitely needs.”
Ratcliffe’s critique of the squad is part of a broader narrative of transformation at Manchester United, which he acknowledged will require time and tough decisions. The billionaire revealed the dire financial straits the club faced before his intervention, stating, “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of this year—by the end of 2025—after having me put $300 million in and if we buy no new players in the summer.” He defended controversial cost-cutting measures, such as redundancies and the removal of perks like free staff lunches, as necessary to stabilize the club’s finances after years of overspending.
The co-owner’s remarks about player wages echo sentiments he expressed shortly after his partial takeover was confirmed in February 2024. At the time, reports indicated Ratcliffe aimed to overhaul the club’s pay structure, introducing a bonus-led system akin to Manchester City’s, where players would only reap significant financial rewards based on success on the pitch. This approach, he argued, would align incentives with performance—a stark contrast to the hefty guaranteed salaries currently paid to some underperforming stars.
Fans and pundits have had mixed reactions to Ratcliffe’s latest statements. While some applaud his blunt assessment and commitment to change, others worry that publicly calling out players could further erode morale in an already struggling dressing room. With Manchester United facing a pivotal few months—both on the pitch and in their ongoing financial restructuring—Ratcliffe’s vision for a leaner, more competitive club will be put to the test.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Old Trafford, where the billionaire’s words have added fuel to an already fiery debate about the club’s direction. Whether his tough stance on high earners translates into tangible improvement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not afraid to shake things up in his quest to restore Manchester United to its former glory.