Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe being too tough at Man United?

After completing his £1.3bn investment in Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he was not interested in making money from the club, but instead aimed to revive a dormant empire. Similar slogans have been regularly echoed by chief executive Richard Arnold.

Ratcliffe's approach - focusing on creating a winning team rather than commercial success - was well received, and for the first time in years, United meetings ended in optimism.

But five months on, the mood at United has changed. Staff received emails from Ratcliffe describing “disorder” around Old Trafford and the Carrington training ground. They were also told in May that the flexible working from home policy would end and that all were expected to return to offices in Manchester or London by 3 June.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Man United staff to change the old way of working. Photo: AFP

Perks such as an all-expenses paid trip to the FA Cup final at Wembley have also been scrapped. Staff have been asked to “make a contribution” and “lunch will no longer be provided free of charge”.

Three days after the 2-1 win over Manchester City, all non-football staff received an email with a link allowing them to hand in their resignation.

Ratcliffe said the cost-cutting measures were necessary "to ensure we can invest as much as possible in the club over the coming months to achieve our aim of returning Manchester United to the forefront of English, European and world football".

According to British media, many United staff feel they are paying the price for two decades of mismanagement under the Glazers. Ratcliffe's current measures have only contributed to an atmosphere of anxiety and tension within the club. In addition to internal emails, Ratcliffe has repeatedly spoken of a bright future, but the "Red Devils" fans need action instead of just words.

Many have also been disappointed with the way Erik ten Hag has been treated since the FA Cup final. After helping Man United win the title, Ten Hag received only a handshake from Ratcliffe, while Pep Guardiola was hugged by the British billionaire.

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

Ratcliffe did not mention Ten Hag in a statement issued after the FA Cup final and refused to answer questions about the Dutchman's future. In that context, the Man United board have quietly approached other candidates.

Ultimately, after deciding to stick with Ten Hag, Man United sources stressed that the 54-year-old's "dignity and professionalism" were among the main reasons. Some Man United staff questioned whether Ratcliffe would treat Ten Hag in the same way as they did?

Despite concerns from club staff, fans are still hopeful about Ratcliffe's arrival. It has been more than 10 years since Man United last won the Premier League and more than 15 years since they won the Champions League.

If Ratcliffe can deliver success next season then 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