Man Utd's Ratcliffe: 'Difficult Decisions Needed'

Unpopular calls paying off, says Ratcliffe

Jim Ratcliffe insists tough decisions at Manchester United are paying off despite making him 'unpopular', citing recent wins under Michael Carrick as evidence.

“If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United...”

Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is standing by his tough decisions, saying they're starting to pay off despite making him “unpopular” among fans. Since taking over two years ago, Ratcliffe has made some big changes, including cutting staff at Old Trafford and sacking managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Ratcliffe compared his situation to politics, where leaders often make unpopular decisions to tackle bigger issues. He believes the changes he's made are for the better, pointing to recent wins under interim boss Michael Carrick as evidence.

The Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United has been met with frustration from fans, leading to protests. However, interim manager Michael Carrick has brought some relief with a mini-revival, securing four wins and a draw, and pushing the team back into the Champions League qualification race.

Carrick's tactical changes, including reverting to a back four with two defensive midfielders, have revitalized players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. The team's improved form has given fans hope, but questions remain about sustainability and whether Carrick is the right man for the job long-term.

Jim Ratcliffe, founder of INEOS chemicals, drew parallels between politics and football, saying leaders often have to make tough, unpopular decisions to fix bigger problems. He applied this to his own role at Manchester United, where he's made some controversial calls, like sacking managers and cutting staff.

Manchester United part-owner has told @EdConwaySky the UK has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, as he warns of the country facing profound political, social and economic challenges.

🔗 https://t.co/bie6uFZ1Tp pic.twitter.com/qFpiO0HkfO

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 11, 2026

Ratcliffe believes these changes are starting to pay off, pointing to recent wins under Michael Carrick. He's standing firm despite criticism, saying someone has to make the hard decisions to move the club forward. 

And referring to United, he said: “I've seen quite a bit of this at the football club.

“If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United. We felt like they were the right things to do. But you do become very unpopular for a while.

“Well, I've been very unpopular at Manchester United because we've made lots of changes. But for the better, in my view.

“And I think we're beginning to see some evidence in the football club that that's beginning to pay off.”