Manchester United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has hinted at a major squad overhaul, stating that several players at the club are not up to the required standard. Following significant off-field staff reductions at Old Trafford, Manchester United could now see a sweeping change within the playing squad as well.
Ratcliffe, who holds nearly a 30 percent stake in the club through his INEOS company, has taken charge of football operations. His tenure so far has been marked by a turbulent season, with Manchester United struggling in 14th place in the Premier League. With early exits from the FA Cup and other domestic competitions, the Europa League remains the club’s only realistic chance of securing silverware or qualifying for European competition next season.
After dismissing Erik ten Hag midway through the campaign, Manchester United turned to former Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim to steer the team forward. However, performances under Amorim have worsened, raising concerns about the squad’s quality and depth.
In a recent interview, Ratcliffe reaffirmed his support for Amorim, confirming that the manager will remain at Old Trafford next season. However, he did not hold back when discussing the squad’s shortcomings, hinting at significant departures.
“Some players are not good enough, and some are probably overpaid. To reshape the squad into one that we are fully responsible for will take time,” Ratcliffe stated.
The co-owner acknowledged the club’s past transfer mistakes, referencing high-profile players like Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea, and Brazilian winger Antony, who rediscovered his form at Real Betis. He also pointed out key squad members such as Casemiro, goalkeeper Andre Onana, and striker Rasmus Hojlund.
“We’ve inherited these signings—Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Hojlund, Sancho. Whether we like it or not, we need to address these decisions and sort them out,” he explained, emphasizing that Manchester United is still financially tied to some of these deals.
When asked whether players like Casemiro, Onana, Hojlund, and Antony had long-term futures at Manchester United, Ratcliffe was non-committal. Instead, he praised club captain Bruno Fernandes, calling him “a fantastic footballer” and someone the club “definitely needs.”
While Ratcliffe’s candid assessment may be accurate, it remains to be seen how his remarks will affect squad morale or impact the club’s ability to secure favorable transfer deals in the summer.