Ratcliffe criticises former Manchester United players as ‘unfit for purpose’ and ‘excessively paid’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has expressed his disappointment in some of the club’s struggling stars, labelling them as “not good enough” and “probably overpaid”.

Since taking over football operations at Old Trafford in February of last year, Ratcliffe has faced a challenging start to his tenure.

The British billionaire has pinpointed Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Antony as the primary sources of his frustration.

Currently, Sancho and Antony are on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis respectively after failing to meet expectations with United.

Referring to United’s ongoing financial commitments for several underperforming players, Ratcliffe, who co-owns the club with the US-based Glazer family, told the BBC: “When you look at the players we signed this summer, that we didn’t bring in at the time, we’re effectively signing Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Hojlund, and Sancho.

“These are remnants of the past, whether we like it or not, and we must address them.”

“As for Sancho, now with Chelsea while we’re covering half his wages, we’re still spending £17 million to acquire him this summer.”

When asked if he believed those players were unfit for United, Ratcliffe remarked: “Some are indeed not good enough, and others are likely overpaid. However, it will take time for us to shape the squad we are fully responsible for.”

Following United’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, alongside an FA Cup victory, Ratcliffe and his advisers decided to retain Erik ten Hag as manager despite the team’s subpar performances.

However, after yet another poor run of form, the Dutchman was dismissed in October and replaced by Ruben Amorim.

Ratcliffe, chairman of INEOS, has acknowledged that keeping Ten Hag was a misstep.

He also described his choice to appoint Dan Ashworth as sporting director, a role he left after just five months in December, as another mistake.

“I concur that the decisions regarding Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth were errors,” the 72-year-old stated.

“There were some mitigating factors, but ultimately these were errors. I take responsibility for that and I apologise.”

Despite United’s poor performances since Amorim’s appointment, which has left them in 14th place in the Premier League, Ratcliffe expressed his continued support for the former Sporting Lisbon manager.

“When I assess the squad available to Ruben, I honestly believe he’s doing a great job,” he remarked.

“I think Ruben is an exceptional young manager. I really do. He’s a highly capable manager and I expect he’ll be with us for a considerable time.”