Manchester United Co-Owner Criticizes Approach to Squad Building

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has expressed his belief that the key to solving the club’s issues lies not in signing star players like Kylian Mbappé, but in building a well-balanced squad. Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of a holistic team approach rather than relying on individual talents to transform the team’s fortunes.

Ratcliffe’s comments come in the wake of Real Madrid’s high-profile signing of Mbappé on a lucrative free transfer deal. While acknowledging the potential impact of elite players like Mbappé, Ratcliffe suggested that United should prioritize the gradual development of a strong squad over seeking quick fixes through big-name signings.

The billionaire owner also criticized United’s transfer strategy, pointing to inefficient spending and a lack of long-term planning as key factors contributing to the club’s struggles. Ratcliffe compared United’s transfer expenditure to that of Real Madrid, highlighting the Spanish club’s more measured approach to player acquisitions.

Ratcliffe highlighted the stark contrast in net spend between United and Real Madrid over the past decade, with United’s outlay far exceeding that of the Spanish giants. He observed that while Real Madrid had managed to assemble a squad with multiple high-value players, United had struggled to do so, indicating a lack of strategic transfer decision-making.

Drawing attention to the valuation of players at both clubs, Ratcliffe noted that Real Madrid boasted several players valued at over €100 million, while United lacked players in that price bracket. This valuation gap, according to Ratcliffe, underscores the disparities in squad quality and market value between the two clubs.

Ratcliffe also criticized UEFA rules on multi-club ownership, citing an instance where United was reportedly unable to sign a player from Ligue 1 side Nice due to these regulations. He expressed frustration with the limitations imposed by such rules, suggesting that they hindered United’s ability to strengthen their squad effectively.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s critical assessment of Manchester United’s approach to squad building highlights the need for a more balanced and strategic long-term strategy. By focusing on developing a cohesive team structure and addressing transfer inefficiencies, United could potentially position themselves for sustained success in the competitive landscape of European football.