‘Jim Ratcliffe has just made unbelievable Andre Onana move at Man United – I was open-mouthed’
Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced the media in recent days with the club struggling on and off the pitch.
In an interview with the BBC (10 March), he appeared to take aim at a number of Man United players he has “inherited” – claiming “some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid”.
Ratcliffe singled out current players Andre Onana, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund as he analysed the state of the United squad.
All three players arrived before the British billionaire took control of footballing operations and during the tenure of ex-manager Erik ten Hag.
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 shared his reaction to the “unbelievable” comments.
Ratcliffe shows ‘lack of football IQ’ with Man United comments
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted Ratcliffe’s comments show a “lack of football IQ”.
Onana and Hojlund remain key players for Man United under Ruben Amorim and have started most games under the new boss after helping to deliver FA Cup success last season.
| Appearances (Starts) | 38 (38) |
| Minutes Played | 3450 |
| Goals Conceded | 52 |
| Clean Sheets | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
Wyness insisted it is “hard to believe” an owner would make those statements with valuable games still to play in the Europa League and Premier League this term.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I was open-mouthed, I couldn’t believe it.
“Particularly with players like the goalkeeper, Onana. These are players they are still relying on to try and get up the league.
“Don’t forget, there is £3million for every league position – that would cover some of the lunches and costs they’ve saved.
“It’s hard to believe an owner would come out and say that. I don’t think I’ve seen it before, particularly when you’ve got a 10-game run to the end of the season and still European competition to play.
“To me, it just shows a lack of football IQ. I get that he’s run businesses and has been very successful, but it shows he isn’t that comfortable in understanding the dynamics.
“I know there will have been executives in Man United with a sharp intake of breath as he made those comments.
“But he’s Jim Ratcliffe and they will buckle underneath him and get on with it.”
Man United still hopeful of keeping Mainoo
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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