Gary Lineker Slams Manchester United Co-Owner Jim Ratcliffe

Gary Lineker has launched a severe critique of Manchester United's co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, describing the businessman as an "unpleasant human being" and suggesting he is a worse figurehead for the club than the unpopular Glazer family.

Lineker's comments, made on The Rest is Football podcast, reflect a growing disillusionment among some Manchester United supporters regarding the direction of the club under Ratcliffe's co-ownership and control of football operations, which began in February 2024. Despite initial optimism, poor on-pitch results and controversial decisions have soured the mood.

"I must congratulate the Glazers on finding someone even worse than them that they can blame and getting him in there and getting all the stick: Jim Ratcliffe," Lineker stated. "I don’t think he’s a particularly pleasant human being and it’s a bit of a shambles of a football club the way it’s being run at the moment. So, well done to the Glazers on that one, deflecting everything away from them!"

Manchester United has seen significant managerial turnover since Ratcliffe assumed control of football operations. Erik ten Hag was dismissed three months after signing a contract extension in October 2024. His successor, Ruben Amorim, departed in January of this year after a 14-month tenure. Michael Carrick was appointed permanent manager in the summer following a successful interim period, guiding the club back to the Champions League. However, the subsequent transfer window has been described as underwhelming.

United has failed to secure key transfer targets, and the team currently sits 12th in the league standings with five points from their opening five games. Adding to the concerns, academy player JJ Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', has reportedly requested to leave the club. His family's perspective is that United has fallen behind leading European clubs and domestic rivals like Arsenal and Manchester City, and they want him to train with the best to develop his talent.

Away from the pitch, Ratcliffe has faced criticism for widespread staff redundancies, increases in ticket prices, and the relocation of season tickets to accommodate more hospitality seating. Plans are also reportedly in place to construct a new 100,000-seat stadium.

Fans have protested the club's ownership, including demonstrations before and during the Manchester derby in September. Supporters' groups have also called for Ratcliffe's resignation following his remarks on immigration.

Lineker further elaborated on the club's perceived disarray, noting, "It is a bit of a mess, that club. You've got a ground that's falling apart, all sorts of complaints about various things. They're losing young teenagers, it looks like that (Gabriel leaving) is going to happen. The results, the inconsistency seems to be back. They have backed the manager many times and it’s not worked for them but there’s got to be something dripping down from the top."

Ratcliffe himself has previously indicated that he would step away from the club if he faced excessive abuse, similar to that directed at the Glazers. He stated in March that while he could tolerate unpopularity and difficult decisions, he would eventually have to concede if the situation became untenable for his personal well-being and that of his family. He also noted that the Glazers had largely retreated from public view, leaving him to absorb the criticism.

The Glazer family, who acquired the club in 2005 through a leveraged buyout, continue to hold a majority stake.