Lineker brands Ratcliffe an ‘unpleasant human’ as United’s woes deepen

Gary Lineker and Sir Jim Ratcliffe sit on opposite ends of a widening gulf at Man Utd, where the former’s blunt criticism follows a period of optimism that began when Ratcliffe bought a 29% stake in 2024.

From optimism to regression

Ratcliffe, the INEOS CEO, took control of football operations from the Glazer family after acquiring the minority share, sparking hopes of a revival for the Red Devils. The promise has proved misplaced, with United regressing on and off the pitch over the past two years.

The club’s first full season under Ratcliffe’s influence ended with a 15th‑place finish – the worst Premier League result in its history – and saw the costly appointment of head coach Ruben Amorim dismissed after just over a year.

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Lineker’s blunt verdict

Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker said, “I look at Man United and I see problems coming down from the top. I must congratulate the Glazers on finding someone even worse than them that they can blame and getting all the stick: Jim Ratcliffe.” He added, “I don’t think he’s a particularly pleasant human being and it’s a bit of shambles of a football club the way it’s being run at the moment.”

Lineker’s remarks echo wider discontent: 15‑year‑old wonderkid JJ Gabriel has asked to leave, with his family claiming United have fallen behind Arsenal and Manchester City under both the Glazers and Ratcliffe. Fans protested against the ownership during September’s Manchester derby defeat, demanding Ratcliffe’s resignation over his recent immigration comments.

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Off the field, Ratcliffe unveiled plans for a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, but the proposal attracted criticism for axing hundreds of jobs and the treatment of long‑term season ticket holders. After the three‑week international break, Carrick will have a chance to steady the ship when United meet win‑less Tottenham on 10 October.