Sir Jim Ratcliffe has articulated his vision for Manchester United in his inaugural major interview since assuming co-ownership of the club.
In an exclusive conversation with MUTV’s Helen Evans in London, the Failsworth-born Reds supporter emphasized his unwavering expectation for the club to consistently contend for top honors in the sport.
Stressing that triumph is the paramount objective across the men’s, women’s, and Academy divisions, he is resolute in fostering a culture of winning within Old Trafford.
Maintaining the same candor, enthusiasm, and honesty exhibited in recent addresses to the club’s staff, he delved into several pivotal subjects. These included proposals for Old Trafford, a direct message to supporters, and a firm declaration that, as one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen, his investment in United is not driven by financial gain.
Having been present at the Nou Camp to witness Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable team clinch the Treble in 1999, Ratcliffe is resolute in guiding the Reds towards reclaiming such heights under his leadership, setting sights on top honors domestically and internationally.
When prompted to articulate his vision for the club, both on and off the pitch, the first aspect of the query proved straightforward for someone so outspoken in his aspirations.
“Well, on the pitch is really simple,“ he said.
”I think the only interest we have is in winning football matches and competing for the Premier League and competing for the Champions League.
“So that’s our only interest in being involved in Manchester United. That is what Manchester United is about. I mean, maybe I’m slightly biased, but I think it’s the biggest, the greatest, and the most well-known football club in the world.”
So it should always be competing for the league title and the Champions League title – always,” he added. “So that’s how we have to measure ourselves. In terms of what our expectations are off the pitch, if you like, I mean, that’s just about values, I think.
”And you know, Manchester United does stand for certain values. It’s got a style of football. It’s got a code of values that people have to respect. So we would expect people to do that.”
Sir Jim emphasized that the culture of winning must permeate every facet of the club, extending beyond just the men’s first XI.
“I think any team that wears that Manchester United badge on their shirt is important to the club because they’re wearing the badge and they need to be successful in winning,“ he stressed. ”So they’re all important components of the club.“
Ratcliffe acknowledges the fervent desire and demand of all supporters for a team that delivers on the pitch, recognizing that he shares this sentiment as one of them.
He underscores the responsibility to those who make the journey to Old Trafford, support the Reds away from home, and the millions worldwide who tune in on television to follow the club. Ultimately, it all comes down to achieving success and clinching trophies.
“That’s what the club’s all about, it’s the fans really,“ he admitted. ”I’ve always said that we don’t own the club. These shareholders, myself and the Glazer family, we don’t own the club. The true owners of the club are the fans, the community, and we’re merely guardians or stewards for a period of time of the club.
“We don’t own the club. The club is a community asset. And so it’s all about the fans really, and what the fans want, because [what’s] really, really important to those people who live in Manchester and go to the game every week, is they want to see the team winning, because that’s so enjoyable for everybody. And we recognise that. So it’s all about the fans.”
