Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe acknowledges that “some are not good enough and some are likely overpaid” at Old Trafford when questioned about five under-achieving players.
Ratcliffe assumed leadership of football operations at United just over a year ago, and since his arrival, there has been a decline in results, first with Erik ten Hag and now with Ruben Amorim, who has not succeeded in elevating his team from 14th place in the Premier League table since taking over in November.
The British billionaire has faced significant backlash for his budget-reducing measures outside the game, leading to approximately 400 club staff being laid off while ticket prices soar, prompting protests from fans.
However, he maintains that although many of the choices are “unpopular,” they are essential due to the club’s financial difficulties, with Ratcliffe expressing disappointment over the remaining payments owed for players acquired before his takeover.
He mentioned the £17m required for Sancho, signed for £73m from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, who hasn’t played for United (except in the Community Shield) since August 2023, going back on loan to Dortmund before moving to Chelsea in the summer.
Ratcliffe informed BBC Sport: “If you examine the players we are acquiring this summer, those we haven't purchased, we’re acquiring Antony, we’re acquiring Casemiro, we’re acquiring Onana, we’re acquiring Hojlund, we’re acquiring Sancho." These are all elements from the past; regardless of our feelings, we’ve inherited them and need to address the situation.
"Sancho, currently with Chelsea, where we cover half of his salary, will cost us £17m to acquire in the summer."
Antony is currently on loan and enjoying his experience at Real Betis after transferring for £81.5m from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the same period when Casemiro made his move from Real Madrid for £70m, and Hojlund was acquired for £64m, alongside £47m Onana who joined a year later.
“It requires time for us to transition from the past to a new position in the future,” Ratcliffe stated.
When questioned if he implied those players lacked the quality for Manchester United, he replied: “Some aren't good enough and some might be overcompensated, but to shape the squad that we fully manage and are accountable for will require time.”
"We are undergoing a transformation phase as we transition from the past to the future."
"As we know, the squad includes some excellent players, and the captain is an outstanding footballer." “We certainly require Bruno; he’s an amazing football player.”
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