Sir Jim Ratcliffe has highlighted five Manchester United players he believes were overpriced in recent transfer windows, including £86m signing Antony. Since becoming the club’s minority owner in February 2024, Ratcliffe has taken charge of football operations, replacing the Glazer family’s leadership.
The INEOS chief has openly discussed the mistakes made in United’s recruitment, defending struggling forward Joshua Zirkzee while also criticizing past transfer decisions. Among those, he claims United overpaid for Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho, and Casemiro.
United splashed £72m on Hojlund and £47.2m on Onana, while Sancho cost the club £73m. Casemiro’s transfer from Real Madrid in 2022 set United back £70m, adding to the list of high-cost deals. Ratcliffe pointed out that these signings were made before his arrival and must now be managed effectively.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ratcliffe stated that these inherited deals have left the club with financial burdens. He revealed that United still owes payments for players signed before his involvement, including £17m for Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea while United covers half his wages.
Antony struggled so much that United sent him on loan to Real Betis in January, while Sancho was also allowed to leave. Onana, signed from Inter Milan, has been under scrutiny for multiple costly errors since replacing David de Gea. Hojlund has also been criticized, scoring just twice in 23 Premier League games this season.
He remains optimistic, noting that the squad still has great talent. He specifically praised captain Bruno Fernandes, calling him a fantastic footballer and essential to the team’s success.
Casemiro has not been spared from criticism, with Jamie Carragher suggesting he should be playing in Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League. Ratcliffe acknowledged that reshaping the squad will take time as the club transitions from past decisions to a more sustainable future.