Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe being too strict at Man United?

After completing a £1.3 billion investment in Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated that he wasn't interested in making money from the club; instead, his goal was to revive a dormant empire. Similar pronouncements from CEO Richard Arnold are also frequently heard.

Ratcliffe's approach – focusing on creating a winning team rather than commercial success – was positively received. After so many years, Man United meetings finally ended on an optimistic note.

But five months later, the mood at Man United had changed. Staff received emails from Ratcliffe describing the "mess" around Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground. They were also informed in May that the flexible work-from-home policy would end and everyone was expected to return to the Manchester or London office by June 3rd.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United staff to change their old ways of working. Photo: AFP

Privileges such as a fully funded trip to the FA Cup final at Wembley were also cancelled. Staff were asked to "contribute" and "lunch would not be provided free of charge".

Three days after the 2-1 victory against Manchester City, all non-football staff received an email with a link allowing them to submit their resignation.

Ratcliffe said the cost-cutting measures were necessary "to ensure we can invest as much as possible in the club in the coming months in order to achieve our goal of bringing Man United back to the top of English, European and world football."

According to British media, many Manchester United staff feel they are paying the price for two decades of poor management under the Glazers. Ratcliffe's current measures only contribute to the atmosphere of anxiety and tension within the club. Besides internal emails, Ratcliffe has repeatedly spoken of a bright future, but Red Devils fans need action instead of just talk.

Many people are also disappointed with how Erik ten Hag has been treated since the FA Cup final. After helping Man United win the trophy, Ten Hag only received a handshake from Ratcliffe, while Pep Guardiola was warmly embraced by the English billionaire.

Ten Hag's power diminished significantly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived. Photo: MUFC

Ratcliffe made no mention of Ten Hag in a statement released after the FA Cup final and declined to answer questions about the Dutch manager's future. In this context, the Manchester United leadership has quietly approached several other candidates.

Ultimately, after deciding to commit to Ten Hag, Manchester United sources emphasized that the 54-year-old manager's "dignity and professionalism" were among the main reasons. Some Manchester United staff members questioned whether Ratcliffe would treat Ten Hag in the same way they did.

Despite concerns from club staff, fans still have high hopes with Ratcliffe's arrival. It has been over 10 years since Man United last won the Premier League and over 15 years since they last won the Champions League.

If Ratcliffe can bring success next season, his difficult start will soon be forgotten.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/sir-jim-ratcliffe-dang-qua-cung-ran-tai-man-united-1356560.ldo