Last updated on March 16, 2025
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Many fans initially welcomed Ratcliffe and Ineos, hoping the boyhood supporter and billionaire would revive United’s past glory.
Image credit: Frank (fan)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s co-owner, has made it clear that if fan abuse reaches the level endured by the Glazer family, he would walk away from the club.
Having acquired a 28.94% stake for £1.3bn last year, Ratcliffe and his company, Ineos, took charge of football operations, aiming to revive United’s fortunes.
However, tensions have grown between the new ownership and some sections of the fanbase.
Recent cost-cutting measures, including a second wave of redundancies affecting up to 200 staff members and a mid-season ticket price increase impacting under-16s and pensioners, have drawn criticism.
Meanwhile, banners at Old Trafford protests have accused ownership of prioritizing financial interests over the club’s well-being.
Ratcliffe, speaking to the BBC, acknowledged the difficulties of his role, admitting that some United players are both “overpaid” and “not good enough.”
He also revealed that financial mismanagement had placed the club at risk of going bust.
🚨🚨🎙️| Sir Jim Ratcliffe: “It’s more than a new stadium. Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, everyone wants to visit. Everyone in the world will want to come visit this stadium.” pic.twitter.com/gSr9rIAd08
— centredevils. (@centredevils) March 11, 2025
Despite these issues, he announced ambitious plans to build a new £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium—an effort to modernize the club’s infrastructure.
Reflecting on fan frustrations, Ratcliffe said he understands the backlash but emphasized that extreme hostility could push him away.
“I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.“
“If I draw a bit of the ire, I can put up with that. But I’m no different to the average person. It’s not nice, particularly for friends and family.
“So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this.“
Manchester United remains burdened by over £1bn in debt, with significant costs from past transfer dealings.
