Sir Jim Ratcliffe Admits Mistakes in Retaining Erik ten Hag and Appointing Dan Ashworth

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has openly acknowledged that retaining former manager Erik ten Hag and appointing Dan Ashworth as sporting director were errors in judgment.

 In a candid interview, Ratcliffe reflected on these decisions, stating, "They were both mistakes. I don't think we can say much more than that. It's a journey, and there's a lot of decisions that we have to make over the course of the journey, and we're not going to get them all right." 

Ratcliffe elaborated on the challenges faced during his tenure, noting that while some decisions were influenced by a mix of emotion and external pressures, they ultimately did not yield the desired outcomes. He emphasized the importance of learning from these experiences to guide the club toward a more successful future.

Despite these setbacks, Ratcliffe expressed optimism about the club's direction under current manager Ruben Amorim. He acknowledged that while Amorim is not without flaws, he is committed to overcoming the challenges posed by injuries and financial constraints. Ratcliffe stated, "I think Ruben has done an excellent job. I really like Ruben." 

Looking ahead, Ratcliffe outlined ambitious plans for Manchester United, including the development of a new 100,000-seat stadium and aspirations to secure the club's 21st league title by 2028. He remains confident that, with the right decisions and strategic planning, the club can navigate its current challenges and achieve long-term success.