- 8 hours ago
Who will be Man Utd's first victims of Ratcliffe and his 'no bull****' style?
Jacque Talbot
- 21 Oct 2023 12:59 BST
- 4 min read
Toto Wolff has claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will bring a “no bull****” approach to Manchester United when he completes a minority purchase of the club.
The CEO of the Mercedes Petronas F1 team has stated that the billionaire does not suffer fools gladly, and his blueprint will undoubtedly be implemented at Old Trafford if he was to take a 25 per cent stake.
Wolff and Ratcliffe have a Formula 1 relationship, with Ineos chief being the principal partner of Mercedes as well as a shareholder in the team.
READ MORE: Free agents: The best players available on a Bosman Transfer
The Austrian offered his take on Ratcliffe’s move for Man Utd - saying that he will not put up with behaviour from certain stars.
Wolff told Sky Sports: “Jim and his partners, Andy Currie and John Reece, they are first of all very complimentary. This is a no sh*t organisation. They are huge in terms of revenue and profit, and decisions are being made quickly, three bullet points on a page and here we go,” he explained.
“With Jim, all the bulls**t is cut out. I think wherever he gets his power and his resource and character behind it, that’s going to be an add on for any team.
“He’s a Manchester boy, he has the resources that are needed, the heart’s in the right place and I’m sure that he can be very creative for Manchester United and with us he’s been a fantastic shareholder, good sounding board and sparring partner for myself.”
So what does this mean for some of Man Utd’s current crop? Here we take a look at some of the players who may be the first victims of Ratcliffe’s new stewardship.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho is currently enduring a standoff with head coach Erik ten Hag following their pubic spat. The winger has been frozen out of the side as he continues to refuse to apologise to the Dutchman was his incendiary tweet. Sancho has been criticised for his conduct in training and his general tardiness. Such behaviour would not be allowed with Ratcliffe and the former Borrusia Dortmund man could be the first casualty of the Nice owners’ reign at Old Trafford.
Casemiro
Casemiro enjoyed a decent inaugural campaign with the Red Devils but things have not got to plan this term. He has been condemned for his lack of running and general fortitude. His disciplinary record also has raised some eyebrows and this sort of conduct would not be looked upon favourably by Ratcliffe.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s attitude has seldom been the problem, but his costly mistakes from the backline may be cause for concern for Ratcliffe. The Ineos boss will be wanting to set a high standard among the club - and the veteran defender is well past his prime. The former Man Utd captain has been linked with a move away from Man Utd for a long time but still remains at the club. The emergence of Ratcliffe could be the determining factor in getting him out the door, however.
Antony Martial
Antony Martial’s contract is up next year and the club are still undecided about whether to renew. The Frenchman has been at the club for eight years - without making a huge impact during his tenure. His eventual departure would not doubt be sped up by Ratcliffe should he come in and take control of some of the football operations.
