Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, has issued a stark warning to fans: he will sell his stake in the club if subjected to the same hate directed at the Glazer family. The 72-year-old, who acquired a 28.94% stake for £1.3 billion last year, admitted the pressure of rebuilding United’s fortunes has taken its toll.
“I’ll walk away”- Ratcliffe’s Abuse Red Line
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Ratcliffe acknowledged growing frustrations over unpopular decisions, including staff layoffs and ticket price hikes. However, he drew a line at personal attacks. “If it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, ‘Enough’s enough, guys, let somebody else do this,’” he stated.
The Glazers, who retain a 67.9% majority stake, have faced protests for nearly two decades, with banners like “£1bn stolen” appearing at games. Ratcliffe revealed the family now avoids matches entirely, leaving him to shoulder criticism. “They’ve retreated into the shadows… so I’m getting all the stick,” he added.
Moyes and Woodward Blasted
Ratcliffe didn’t hold back in dissecting past failures under Glazer leadership. He singled out the 2013 appointment of David Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor as a critical error. “Moyes stepped into the shoes of Ferguson, who’s won the Premier League 13 times… handing over to a guy who’d never managed big players,” he said. “Real Madrid wouldn’t have made that choice.”
He also slammed former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and ex-CEO Richard Arnold. “Ed didn’t have the credentials… he was a merchant banker, an accountant. Richard was a rugby man who didn’t understand football,” Ratcliffe argued. Both executives saw a period of erratic spending during their time, playing their part in United’s debt, which now exceeds £1 billion.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Since INEOS assumed control of football operations at the club, Ratcliffe has implemented extreme austerity measures, including staff redundancies and scrapping free lunches. A mid-season ticket price hike resulted in U-16s and pensioners paying extra, causing a further rift among the fans, leading to protests by the supporters ahead of games.
Despite the criticism, Sir Jim Ratcliffe defended his vision, including plans for his eccentric £2 billion stadium. “It should be more expensive to watch the biggest club in the world,” he said, while promising affordable sections in the new arena.
The Glazer Family
While critical of past decisions, Ratcliffe described the Glazers as “polite, civilized” partners. The American owners have sidelined themselves from the apparent footballing operations and are a rare sight now on matchdays amid fan protests and growing criticism.
With United languishing in 14th place under new manager Ruben Amorim, Ratcliffe’s admission of criticism taking toll on him was evident. As he put it: “The shirt can be too heavy… it’s turning me into an old man.” For now, the billionaire insists he’ll weather the storm but only up to a point.