Sir Jim Ratcliffe attacked by UK ministers

Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived at Manchester United promising change.

However, more than two-and-a-half years after his investment was completed, the anger surrounding those at the top of Old Trafford has hardly disappeared.

INEOS completed its initial minority investment in February 2024 and took responsibility for football operations, while the Glazer family retained overall control.

Yet United remain a club fighting familiar battles.

Managers have changed, executives have changed and millions have been spent, but supporters are still waiting for a sustained return to the top.

This season has only deepened the frustration.

Michael Carrick’s side have endured a dreadful start, while their Carabao Cup campaign has already ended and another disappointing performance against Fulham produced only a 1-1 draw.

There was frustration in the transfer market too.

Supporters cried out for another left-back, but the window closed without one arriving.

Discontent has spilled beyond results.

Fans protested against Ratcliffe and the Glazers before the Manchester derby, with chants aimed at both ownership groups as supporters marched towards Old Trafford.

Now, with criticism already coming from the stands, Ratcliffe has found himself attacked by senior figures in the UK government.

UK ministers hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe has been criticised by Labour ministers following comments about the state of Britain.

The INEOS chairman claimed the country was “on the slide” and warned it risked going broke, while criticising taxation, immigration and the benefits bill.

Treasury minister Torsten Bell responded by accusing the United co-owner of “hating his own country”.

Labour chair Bridget Phillipson also challenged Ratcliffe’s position, pointing to his decision to live in Monaco and his previous support for Brexit.

Phillipson argued that Ratcliffe had lost the “moral high ground” when making such criticisms while choosing to live outside Britain.

Ratcliffe, meanwhile, defended his position by warning that wealthy taxpayers could leave Britain if taxation became excessive.

It represents another unwanted controversy for the 73-year-old at a time when his standing among sections of the United fanbase is already under considerable strain.