Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial reign: unsettling winds of change at Manchester United

Lea Hogg June 6, 2024

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial reign: unsettling winds of change at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of INEOS, has been at the helm of Manchester United since February, following his acquisition of a 27.7 percent stake in the club. His tenure, however, has been marked by a series of contentious decisions that have sparked widespread criticism and reportedly undermined morale within the club.

End of remote work

One of the most significant changes Ratcliffe has implemented is the termination of the work-from-home culture. Starting from June 1, he mandated that all staff members return to their offices. Those who disagreed with this policy were given the option to take voluntary redundancy and receive their season bonus before their departure.

This decision has been met with disapproval from various quarters. Keith Wyness, a former CEO of Everton who now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, has described Ratcliffe’s directive as “pretty needless”. He further suggested that Ratcliffe was proving to be less astute than initially anticipated.

Wyness, speaking on Football Insider’s Insider Track podcast, expressed surprise at Ratcliffe’s decision to revert to pre-lockdown management styles. He warned that such a move could lead to the departure of some of the club’s best staff, particularly those in the social media and IT sectors, which are crucial for revenue generation.

Onset of discontent

Ratcliffe’s approach, according to Wyness, has not only damaged morale at Manchester United but also demonstrated a lack of strategic foresight. He criticized Ratcliffe for adding unnecessary stress to an already complex situation involving the manager, the players, the executive level, the Dan Ashworth issue, and the Old Trafford issue.

The implications of Ratcliffe’s decisions for Manchester United as a business are potentially far-reaching. The loss of key staff members could impact the club’s operations, particularly in areas like social media and IT that are vital for revenue generation. Moreover, the decline in morale could affect the overall productivity and performance of the club.

Furthermore, Ratcliffe’s controversial decisions could potentially tarnish the club’s reputation, making it less attractive to potential investors and sponsors. This could have long-term financial implications for the club.

While change is often necessary for progress, the manner in which it is implemented is crucial. Ratcliffe’s approach thus far has raised questions about his leadership and the future direction of Manchester United. It remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately impact the club’s success on and off the pitch.