Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘completely played’ by the Glazers after Man United update
Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears to have been “played” by the Glazer family since becoming a co-owner of Man United, according to Stefan Borson.
The Premier League giants already made 250 job cuts last summer due to a total loss of £300million over the last three seasons, leading to outrage from the fans surrounding Old Trafford.
Until February 2024, when it was announced Ratcliffe would acquire a 25 per-cent stake in the club, The Glazers would have been the ones making these cut-throat decisions.
Now, there are reportedly plans in place to make another 100 staff redundant, with many being warned against the “damaging” leaks emerging from Old Trafford, according to The Telegraph.
A “team briefing” is set to take place on Monday 24 February to discuss cost-cutting plans and to raise more revenue, but Borson has suggested some sympathy for the controversial figure.
The Glazers using Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a puppet
Taking to X in reaction to the Telegraph report [16 February], the finance expert wrote: “Every single step of United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a genius move by the Glazers.
“Got a top price for a minority and stuck Ratcliffe into, A) Try and do all the heavy lifting, and B) Be the face of massive cost-cutting despite INEOS having a capped upside. Completely played him so far.”
United’s problems seem to be just as serious off the pitch, if not more serious, than the woes currently on the pitch under Ruben Amorim.
Ruben Amorim to bring hope back to Man United
Football Insider Verdict
The Red Devils have seriously struggled over the last few seasons, only finishing in the top four Premier League spots once over the three campaigns.
Amorim’s appointment was greeted with a lot of excitement, replacing Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s torrid time in charge, but it has not totally worked out yet.
Since taking the reigns in November, United have won just four of their 14 league matches, sinking to 15th in the Premier League table, below the likes of Everton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
However, until the problems behind the scenes are fixed, or at least alleviated by Ratcliffe, there will be a lack of development on the pitch, in terms of the squad and results.
United are clearly struggling financially, which is why the owners are attempting to cut losses anywhere they possibly can, but there should be no surprise when these decisions are greeted with outrage.
There is success to be had at Old Trafford, but there needs to be the right set of people in charge to unlock it.