Tag: Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Ratcliffe vetoes Lewandowski free transfer despite Amorim’s interest

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Manchester United)
October 2025

Manchester United’s INEOS-led hierarchy blocked a proposed summer move for Robert Lewandowski, prioritising wage discipline and squad age profile over short-term star power. Despite Ruben Amorim’s openness to a veteran finisher, United will not match the £540k/week level the Pole commands. Past costly late-career deals inform the stance as United continue trimming their bill. United will pursue lower-salary, resale-viable forwards and accelerate academy pathways to protect cap table flexibility. Sporting rationale: preserve pressing intensity, dressing-room meritocracy, and minutes for recent arrivals. Financial rationale: amortisation headroom for priority positions and mid-term extensions. Barcelona’s leverage is limited near expiry; any Premier League suitors must structure heavy appearance-based variables.

De Ligt backs Amorim’s straight-talk amid pressure

Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
October 2025

De Ligt said he has a “good relationship” with Amorim and backed the manager’s direct style as United navigate a poor start marked by heavy defeats and a Carabao Cup shock. He framed scrutiny as normal at an elite club. United opened with three wins from eight across competitions, prompting external criticism despite public support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Amorim reiterated pressure is tied to the “next game,” with daily backing from Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox reinforcing internal alignment.

Southgate Added to United’s Managerial Shortlist

Gareth Southgate
September 2025

Gareth Southgate is reportedly on a three-man shortlist to replace Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held fresh talks with the former England boss as Amorim flounders with just two wins in seven games this season. Southgate, out of work since Euro 2024, joins Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola as candidates. United’s poor start, capped by defeats to Arsenal, City, and Brentford, plus a Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby, has piled pressure on Amorim.

United’s Old Trafford Plans Hit Land Dispute Snag

Manchester United
September 2025

Manchester United’s bold Old Trafford redevelopment faces a major hurdle after Freightliner hiked land prices to £400m, eight times United’s £50m projection. The site, west of the stadium, was vital for a 100,000-seat canopy-wrapped design. Freightliner’s pending takeover by CMA CGM complicates talks, prompting United to draft alternative, more traditional stadium designs. Ratcliffe insists redevelopment will modernize Old Trafford and regenerate the area, though fans already branded the original canopy plans “embarrassing” and “circus-like.”

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