Man United facing huge transfer blow - 'Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to blame'
26/04/2025 04:00
Man United are staring down the barrel of an all-or-nothing tilt at the Europa League trophy with much-needed Champions League qualification up for grabs.
The Red Devils face a two-legged semi-final against Athletic Bilbao ahead of a potential final against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in May.
United are struggling financially despite the minority takeover of Sir Jim Ratcliffe – and could struggle to complete adequate transfer business without Champions League football.
The Old Trafford club, who sit 14th in the Premier League, are no strangers to silverware having won the League Cup and FA Cup in back-to-back seasons.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted fans of other clubs are “waiting for the fall” and claimed the media has criticism “ready to go” if United don’t lift the trophy.
Ratcliffe on the hook if Man United don’t lift Europa League, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted Ratcliffe will get the majority of the “flak” should United fail with their task this season.
The Red Devils were last without European football in the 2014-15 campaign.
Wyness insisted United won’t be able to attract top players without Champions League qualification.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 12 | Crystal Palace | 33 | 45 | -4 |
| 13 | Everton | 33 | 38 | -6 |
| 14 | Man United | 33 | 38 | -8 |
| 15 | Wolves | 33 | 38 | -13 |
| 16 | Tottenham | 33 | 37 | 10 |
He told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "Are people under-reacting to Man United's season? I think part of the deflection is their European run.
"They are able to throw that up as a reason why they are still Man United and still there.
"But listen, United want to be in the spotlight and get all these immense commercial deals – but they are producing a terrible product on the pitch.
"People are taking notice of the mismanagement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but Amorim has managed to deflect a lot of criticism because he's been a likeable guy and he's tried to face the music.
"I think the players are correctly in the firing line at the moment.
"The strikers, in particular, have taken the real stick.
"If they weren't to win this European final, there will be a massive amount of bricks falling on Man United – it will be very difficult to sign the type of talent they want for next season.
"They're trying to attract top players but it's not certain, and there's a lot at stake.
"Believe me, there's a lot in the media ready to go if they don't win. They haven't pulled the trigger just yet.
"A lot of fans from other clubs are waiting for the fall. With the pantomime figure that is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there will be a lot of flak coming his way."
Man United's 'severe' new Onana warning revealed
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (22 April) that Man United are aware replacing under-pressure goalkeeper Andre Onana will put a "severe" dent in their summer transfer budget.
United are believed to be willing to listen to suitable offers for Onana – but are not prioritising a change in the goalkeeping department.
The Cameroon international has made a number of costly blunders and was even dropped for Altay Bayindir for the 4-1 loss against Newcastle.
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The post Man United facing huge transfer blow - 'Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to blame' appeared first on Football Insider.
