Expert: Man United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is facing 'serious' issues, Trump's partly to blame
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Donald Trump Cited as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Man United Masterplan Hit by Serious Blow
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ambitious overhaul of Manchester United has encountered a significant setback, with U.S. President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs directly impacting Ratcliffe's INEOS conglomerate, exacerbating financial pressures at the club.[3]
Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024 and assumed control of football operations, has faced backlash for aggressive cost-cutting measures. These include axing around 450 jobs and eliminating staff perks like subsidized lunches, aimed at reducing the club's bloated expenses amid ongoing poor performance.[1][2] Fans and media have criticized the moves as ruthless, questioning whether they align with restoring the club's glory.
The tariffs introduce a new layer of difficulty. INEOS, heavily reliant on global trade in petrochemicals and chemicals, is reeling from Trump's protectionist policies, which hike import costs and disrupt supply chains. Experts warn this could strain Ratcliffe's resources, limiting funds for vital squad investments and infrastructure upgrades at Old Trafford—key pillars of his masterplan to return United to Premier League dominance.[3]
Amid this, Ratcliffe remains steadfast on head coach Ruben Amorim's future. In a rare public statement, he dismissed calls for the Portuguese manager's dismissal after a trophyless season, insisting Amorim deserves three years to prove himself. "Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years," Ratcliffe said, lambasting media demands for instant results as unrealistic. He emphasized no "knee-jerk reactions," even rebuffing potential interference from majority owners, the Glazers, whom he described as supportive despite their U.S. base.[1]
With United languishing in mid-table and Europa League hopes fading, the Trump tariffs amplify Ratcliffe's challenges. Analysts suggest INEOS may need to divert resources from football to mitigate trade war fallout, potentially delaying the masterplan. Ratcliffe's local presence offers an edge over the distant Glazers, but economic headwinds threaten his vision of a leaner, competitive Manchester United.
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