Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a bold statement, claiming that some players within the squad are both overpaid and not up to the required standard for the club.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC to mark his first year as co-owner, Ratcliffe didn’t hold back as he assessed the state of the club. His remarks come at a time when United sits 14th in the Premier League table, with fans voicing frustrations over the team’s performances and club management.
During the conversation, Ratcliffe specifically mentioned several high-profile players that his administration inherited, including Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana, along with wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho—both currently out on loan. When questioned about whether these players were of the caliber needed at Manchester United, Ratcliffe admitted that not all of them met the required standards. He also revealed that the club’s wage bill stands at a staggering £250 million per year.
“Some are not good enough and some are probably overpaid,” Ratcliffe stated. “However, reshaping the squad into one that we are fully responsible and accountable for will take time.”
Big-Money Signings Under Scrutiny
Among the players highlighted, Jadon Sancho remains a financial burden for United, with the club still owing £17 million for his transfer from Borussia Dortmund, despite him returning to the German side on loan. He initially arrived for £73 million but failed to live up to expectations and fell out with former manager Erik ten Hag before being loaned to Chelsea at the start of the current season. United still covers half of his wages.
Brazilian winger Antony, who arrived from Ajax for £81.5 million, is currently on loan at Real Betis after struggling to make an impact at Old Trafford. Midfielder Casemiro, signed for £70 million in 2022, along with Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund (£72 million) and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana (£47.2 million), have also faced criticism for their performances.
Financial Adjustments and Fan Backlash
Ratcliffe’s tenure has not been without controversy, with his cost-cutting measures sparking outrage among fans. A mid-season ticket price hike saw home match tickets rise to £66, while staff cuts and the removal of free lunches added to the discontent. Ratcliffe justified these actions, saying they were necessary to stabilize the club financially, warning that United was on track to run out of money by the end of the year.
“Some of these decisions are unpopular, but they are essential to put Manchester United back on stable footing,” he said. “If fans want to see us winning trophies again, we have to make these changes. Our priority should be investing in the best players rather than spending money on free lunches.”
Ratcliffe also hinted at “modest price increases” for next season but promised to maintain last year’s pricing for under-16s.
Backing for Head Coach Ruben Amorim
On the pitch, Ratcliffe remains firmly behind head coach Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November following Erik ten Hag’s departure. Despite United losing nine of their 26 matches under Amorim and sitting a staggering 36 points behind league leaders Liverpool, Ratcliffe is convinced of his ability.
“If I look at the squad available to Ruben, I think he’s doing a really good job,” Ratcliffe stated. “He is an outstanding young manager, and I believe he will be here for a long time.”
He attributed the club’s struggles to an extensive injury list, which has left Amorim managing with a depleted squad. “How many players on the bench against Arsenal did fans even recognize? We are down to the last 10 or 11 first-team players,” Ratcliffe noted. “Despite the challenges, Ruben is doing a fantastic job, and we are starting to see glimpses of what he can bring to the team.”
As Manchester United looks to rebuild under new leadership, it remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe’s bold approach will yield success or further divide an already frustrated fanbase.
