Erik ten Hag's coaching staff choice leads to Manchester United failure

On December 16, 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the minority owner of Manchester United, held a candid interview with the fanzine United We Stand where he critiqued the state of the club. He expressed disappointment over the team's recent performance and pointed specifically to a decade of mismanagement that has caused United's decline into mediocrity. Ratcliffe emphasized the urgent need for major changes and reforms in the club, particularly in recruitment strategies and data analysis, to return to their previous elite status. He highlighted that the club's data analytics were outdated, putting them far behind their competitors, and lamented that the current state does not reflect the club's historic stature. Ratcliffe made it clear that the changes necessary would not be instantaneous and would require strategic planning and sustained efforts. The interview comes at a time when the club's results have left fans disillusioned, particularly following a recent loss against Nottingham Forest, which compounded earlier defeats under new manager Ruben Amorim's leadership. Ratcliffe's comments reflect an urgent call to arms for both management and the fanbase as they seek a path forward from the current issues that plague the club. He vowed to ensure the club becomes financially astute, enabling better investment in talent for future success. This commentary underlines a broader narrative of recovery within the historically rich and successful enclave of Manchester United, now beset by struggles both on and off the pitch.