Sir Jim Ratcliffe admits some Manchester United players are “not good enough” and ”overpaid” – but says he has full confidence in manager Ruben Amorim
United have struggled in the Premier League this season, currently in 14th and 15 points adrift of the top four. Still, they have an opportunity to qualify for the Champions League for next season by winning the Europa League, with the second leg of their last-16 tie against Real Sociedad to negotiate first.
Ratcliffe admitted the club had spent a huge amount on players over the years who had not worked out, including the likes of Antony (£81.5m), Jadon Sancho (£73m), Casemiro (£70m), Rasmus Højlund (£72m) and André Onana (£47.2m).
“If you look at the players we bought — Antony, Casemiro, Onana, Højlund, Sancho — they are things we inherited,” Ratcliffe said. “Some are inadequate and some are probably overpaid. It will take time to change the squad.”
Amorim has presided over a mixed return of results since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, with United losing nine of their 26 games in charge. Nonetheless, Ratcliffe is still in total support of the Portuguese coach.
“I believe Ruben is a great young manager. He is doing a very good job with the squad he has,” Ratcliffe said. “We’re starting to see flashes of what he can deliver, like against Arsenal.”
Ratcliffe also touted Amorim’s firm disposition, saying, “He won’t put up with the players that are not 100% committed to winning football matches.
Ratcliffe acknowledges it will take time, but he is convinced Amorim is the right man to take United forward and said: “I think he will be here for a long time.”
