Alan Shearer has delivered a scathing assessment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tumultuous tenure at Manchester United, branding the leadership as “chaotic” amid the club’s continued struggles both on and off the pitch. The former England striker’s comments come as United sit a dismal 13th in the Premier League, far from the glory days fans so desperately crave.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a lifelong Manchester United fan, took over 25% of the club in February after striking a deal with the Glazer family, which also handed him control of football operations. However, his first year in charge has been anything but smooth sailing. From controversial decisions in the boardroom to disappointing performances on the field, Ratcliffe’s stewardship has raised more questions than answers.
Among Ratcliffe’s early moves was the decision to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract over the summer, despite speculation surrounding the Dutchman’s future following a mixed campaign. The club also sanctioned over £200 million in transfer spending under Ten Hag, only to part ways with him in October. This dismissal, which reportedly cost the club £15 million in compensation, has drawn criticism for its timing and financial impact.
Adding to the confusion, Ratcliffe managed to lure Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United for the role of sporting director, only to dismiss him within months. This move, coupled with widespread layoffs affecting over 250 club employees and a controversial ticket price hike to £66 per match with no concessions, has fueled discontent among fans and stakeholders alike.
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Shearer, speaking on behalf of Betfair, didn’t hold back in his critique. “Chaotic is the right word,” the Newcastle legend told Mail Sport. “It looks as if it’s gone from a really bad situation to everyone thinking, ‘Ratcliffe is in there now, everything will be fine.’ But ever since he walked in the door, it has been one bad decision after another.”
Shearer highlighted the inconsistency in Ratcliffe’s leadership, pointing to the abrupt sacking of both Ten Hag and Ashworth. “Whether it’s putting ticket prices up, giving Erik ten Hag a new deal and millions to spend on players before sacking him, or paying £3 million to get Dan Ashworth and then letting him go—it seems like every step taken has added to the instability,” Shearer remarked.
The chaos has extended to the pitch as well. Ruben Amorim was appointed as Ten Hag’s successor in November after United paid Sporting Lisbon £10.6 million to secure his services. Yet, the highly-rated Portuguese coach has struggled to find his footing at Old Trafford, losing two of his first four Premier League matches in charge.
Shearer believes Amorim has been left stunned by the state of the squad and the club’s internal operations. “The most important thing is results on the pitch, and that isn’t improving anytime soon,” Shearer said. “Amorim must have walked in and thought, ‘There’s been £600 million spent on this squad, and this is the best he (Ratcliffe) can offer me.’ His eyes will have been opened wide to the scale of the challenge here.”
On-field struggles
United’s on-field struggles have been mirrored in Europe. Despite narrowly defeating Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, the performance did little to inspire confidence among fans or pundits. And with a Manchester derby looming, the pressure on both Amorim and Ratcliffe is mounting.
Shearer made it clear that Ratcliffe’s attempts to reshape the club have so far failed to yield any tangible progress. “From the outside looking in, it feels like every decision has been rushed, poorly planned, or both,” he said. “For a club of Manchester United’s stature, this level of disarray is unacceptable.”
With Amorim still adjusting to life at Old Trafford and the January transfer window fast approaching, the next few months could prove critical for Ratcliffe’s ownership. However, as Shearer pointed out, results on the pitch will ultimately determine whether the British billionaire’s vision for Manchester United has any chance of success.
For now, fans remain skeptical, with many questioning whether Ratcliffe’s leadership can truly deliver the stability and success that has eluded the Red Devils for so long. Meanwhile, Shearer’s candid remarks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing one of football’s most iconic clubs.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will continue to shine brightly on Ratcliffe and his decisions. Whether the chaos can be turned into a cohesive strategy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Manchester United’s struggles under Ratcliffe’s tenure are far from over.
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