Sir Jim Ratcliffe labelled 'a total embarrassment'

Tensions between Manchester United’s ownership and sections of the fanbase have escalated once again following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent public comments.

The Manchester United co-owner and INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy during an interview with Sky News in which he discussed immigration, the UK economy and his own unpopularity among supporters at Old Trafford.

While much of the national debate focused on his political remarks, it is the reaction from within the United fanbase that is now dominating the conversation.

Independent supporters’ group The 1958, named in tribute to the Munich Air Disaster, have issued a strongly worded statement in response.

The group, who have already organised a protest this year against Ratcliffe, described his appearance as “a very ill-advised statement” and went further by labelling him “a total embarrassment.”

In comments posted by Chris Wheeler on X, the group criticised Sir Jim Ratcliffe for speaking on national issues while living in Monaco and questioned his understanding of the fanbase.

They also challenged his assessment that difficult decisions at United are beginning to “pay off,” arguing that recent managerial upheaval – including the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the interim appointment of Michael Carrick – does not yet prove a long-term vision.

The 1958 pointed to several issues they believed have fuelled growing dissatisfaction among match going fans:

• Stricter policies for season ticket holders attempting to transfer tickets
• Rising ticket prices for members
• Increased emphasis on hospitality allocations
• Proposals for a new stadium that many supporters remain divided on

Ratcliffe acknowledged in his interview that he has become “very unpopular” due to structural changes at the club.

However, The 1958 argue that if he cannot see the reasons behind that backlash, he is “completely out of touch” with the core support.

With United showing recent signs of improvement on the pitch, attention is now firmly fixed on the relationship between ownership and supporters.

The latest exchange highlights an increasingly fragile dynamic – one that could shape the wider narrative around Ratcliffe’s tenure at Old Trafford just as much as results on the pitch.