Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority shareholder and key decision-maker at Manchester United, has opened up about the club’s missteps in managerial appointments since the departure of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
In his latest remarks, Ratcliffe pinpointed Ferguson’s handpicked successor, David Moyes, as a key example of the club’s misjudgments.
Ratcliffe, who assumed control over United’s football operations a year ago, expressed regret over past decisions, including the prolonged tenure of Erik ten Hag, whom he dismissed last summer.
Speaking candidly, Ratcliffe stated, “Look, I like David Moyes, and I think he’s a really good manager, but to go from Sir Alex Ferguson to Moyes is not where I would have gone.”
He highlighted Moyes’ lack of experience managing high-profile players and winning major trophies as reasons for his critique.
United’s managerial carousel has seen 10 different men attempt to fill Ferguson’s shoes, including interim and caretaker managers.
Ratcliffe’s latest appointment, Ruben Amorim, took charge in November following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint. Ratcliffe remains confident that the Portuguese tactician will bring back the glory days to Old Trafford.
“Manchester United is the best club in the world,” Ratcliffe proclaimed, emphasizing the need for top-tier leadership at every level. “They should have found the best chief executive in the world, and the best coach in the world. Instead, they got both decisions wrong.”
Ratcliffe’s vision extends beyond the dugout. The INEOS CEO recently revealed plans for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater stadium, which he described as “the world’s greatest” football ground.
