‘I’ve been in Man United’s position and there’s only one way to catapult club back to the top’
Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn criticism for a sweeping range of cost-cutting measures as he attempts to restore the club to profitability.
Their latest accounts for 2023-24 revealed they generated a club-record revenue of £661.8million despite recording a net loss of £113.2million.
Ratcliffe’s changes come amid a tough time for Man United on the pitch, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League with 10 games of this season remaining.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph reported on 3 March that the Manchester giants are budgeting for qualifying for the Europa League for the next four years – rather than the Champions League.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has responded to Ratcliffe’s forecast for United’s near future.
Ratcliffe is ‘not being bold enough’ with Man United forecast
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Europa League qualification would be an underachievement for Man United in the next four seasons.
United have won 13 Premier League titles since the league’s rebrand in 1992 but have not won the division since the 2012-13 campaign.
| Season | Premier League finish |
| 2023-24 | 8th |
| 2022-23 | 3rd |
| 2021-22 | 6th |
| 2020-21 | 2nd |
| 2019-20 | 3rd |
Wyness claimed Ratcliffe is “not being bold enough to push the club back to a higher level”.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “They’re hoping to win the Europa League this season to keep them going.
“I understand, to a degree, what they’re trying to say with this four-year forecast.
“I’ve been in the position where it is very difficult to do the forecast before a season – you’re stuck in between two thoughts.
“You’ve got to think realistically so you don’t overspend, but if you underspend then you’re not giving yourself the best chance to go forward.
“If they are predicting Europa League in the next four years – I think that’s underestimating where they should be.
“They’ve got to overperform – and I don’t see it happening. They’re still in a state of flux.
“Ratcliffe is trying his best, but I don’t think he’s being bold enough to push the club back to a high level.
“Running the club in a meaner way and cutting costs is one thing, but making sure you provide the right squad to the manager is another.
“We’ve got to see that change, and he’s finding out how hard it is to find that balance – as many have before him.”
Man United still hopeful of keeping Mainoo
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (12 March) that Man United have not given up hope of keeping Kobbie Mainoo despite a standoff over a new deal.
It has been widely reported that the 19-year-old is ready to reject the offer of a new Old Trafford contract and seek a move overseas.
United will continue talks with the midfielder until the end of the 2024-25 campaign as they push to persuade the academy product to stay put for the long term.
Mainoo’s current deal is set to run until June 2027 – with the club holding an option to extend his contract a further 12 months.
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