Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United: Progress or More of the Same? | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Ownership Struggles: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazers, and the Long Road Ahead

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Influence and the Growing Expectations

Manchester United’s new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe has begun, but the weight of expectation is colossal. The Ineos billionaire’s 25% stake in the club signals change, but fans know too well that partial ownership is not a cure-all. The Glazers remain in control, their presence still a source of frustration among supporters who have long demanded a full takeover.

For Ratcliffe, reshaping United’s footballing structure is the immediate priority. With a clear desire to bring professionalism and accountability back to the club, he is already making key decisions behind the scenes. The arrival of Omar Berrada as CEO from Manchester City speaks volumes—United are borrowing from their biggest rivals in an effort to rebuild their own identity.

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Yet, the club’s problems extend far beyond new executive hires. Years of mismanagement, commercial overreach, and a lack of strategic direction have left United lagging behind the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. While Ratcliffe’s investment suggests ambition, the question remains: How much real power does he wield under the Glazers’ watchful eye?

The Glazers’ Grip and Lingering Uncertainty

United fans have endured nearly two decades of Glazer rule, a period marked by debt-laden ownership, erratic decision-making, and a disconnect from the club’s traditional values. While Ratcliffe’s arrival has injected cautious optimism, the reality is that he is not the outright owner—something that remains a sticking point for supporters.

Despite recent boardroom changes, the Glazers’ influence is undiminished. Ratcliffe may be overseeing the footballing operations, but key financial and strategic calls still rest with the American family. For a club as commercially vast as United, such a power dynamic could lead to friction.

There is also the issue of infrastructure. Old Trafford, once the crown jewel of English football stadiums, is now in desperate need of investment. Training facilities need modernisation. For years, the club has operated under a reactive model—fixing problems only when they become impossible to ignore. Ratcliffe’s challenge is to instil long-term planning in an organisation that has spent too long chasing short-term success.

Recruitment Overhaul and Squad Challenges

On the pitch, United remain a club in transition. Erik ten Hag arrived with a vision, but inconsistency has plagued his tenure. Recruitment has been erratic, with big-money signings failing to deliver on expectations. Ratcliffe’s footballing revamp must start here.

The appointment of a sporting director will be pivotal. Manchester City have Txiki Begiristain. Liverpool have Michael Edwards. United, for years, have lacked that singular figure to drive a cohesive transfer strategy. Too often, their approach has been dictated by commercial appeal rather than tactical necessity. The days of marquee signings with little thought to squad balance need to end.

Ratcliffe has already spoken about the need for United to be “smarter” in the market. “Manchester United should be the best in class at everything they do,” he recently stated. “That includes recruitment, performance analysis, and long-term planning.” If words translate into action, fans may finally see an era where logic prevails over panic buying.

A Defining Period for United’s Future

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stepped into one of the most scrutinised roles in English football. He is an ambitious man, a United fan himself, and someone who understands that this club should be at the summit, not chasing shadows. However, his influence will only stretch so far while the Glazers remain.

Patience will be key, but in football, patience is rarely granted. Results will dictate how his tenure is judged. If United continue to drift, pressure will mount, and the calls for a full takeover will only grow louder. For now, the Glazers are still here, and United’s future remains as uncertain as ever.