Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe didn’t hold back in his latest comments, admitting that several players at the club “are not good enough” while others are being “overpaid.” His remarks come as manager Ruben Amorim struggles to turn the team’s fortunes around, with United sitting in 14th place in the Premier League.
Despite a rough start—winning just five of 17 league games and exiting both domestic cups—Ratcliffe gave his full backing to Amorim, who took charge in November after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
Inherited Problems and Costly Transfers
Speaking in a BBC interview on Monday, Ratcliffe addressed fans’ frustrations, acknowledging that many of United’s issues predate his arrival.
“We’re buying Antony, we’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying (Andre) Onana, we’re buying (Rasmus) Hojlund, we’re buying (Jadon) Sancho… whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out,” he said.
He highlighted the financial burden of past transfer decisions, particularly Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea with United still covering half his wages.
“For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17 million ($21.87 million) to buy him in the summer,” Ratcliffe revealed.
Sancho joined United for £73 million in 2021 but has struggled to justify the fee. Meanwhile, winger Antony, another big-money signing at £81.5 million, is now on loan at Real Betis.
“Some players are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time,” Ratcliffe admitted.
Backing Amorim & Tough Decisions
Despite the turmoil, Ratcliffe is standing by Amorim, calling the Portuguese coach an “outstanding young manager.”
“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job, to be honest,” Ratcliffe said. “I think he will be there for a long time. You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce—like against Arsenal.”
Ratcliffe emphasized that United is in a “period of transformation” and tough decisions are necessary. The club has already made job cuts, and Ratcliffe revealed that without his financial support, United would have run out of money by the end of 2025.
“The club had got bloated, so we reduced that and will finish it with a lean and efficient organization,” he explained. “United would have run out of cash by the end of this year—by the end of 2025—after having me put $300m in and if we buy no new players in the summer.”
Despite financial concerns, he ruled out selling young stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to balance the books.
No Room for Rashford’s Attitude
Ratcliffe also backed Amorim’s tough stance on Marcus Rashford, who was frozen out before moving to Aston Villa on loan in January.
“[Amorim] wants a dressing room full of people who are totally committed to winning football matches. He won’t tolerate people who don’t have 100% of that attitude,” Ratcliffe said.
On Rashford’s move, he added:
“He’s moved out of Manchester, and maybe that’s a good thing for him. I’m pleased he’s doing well because he has got tremendous talent, but for whatever reason, it wasn’t working for the past couple of seasons.”
A Vision for the Future
Ratcliffe admitted this is a challenging period for United fans but insisted his only goal is to restore the club to greatness.
“It’s an uncomfortable period and disruptive, and I do feel sympathy with the fans… My only interest here is returning Manchester United back to greatness again.”
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