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The acquisition of a minority stake in Manchester United by SIR JIM RATCLIFFE was disclosed on Christmas Eve 2023, prompting major changes at Old Trafford…
December 2023 – Manchester United announces Ratcliffe’s purchase on Christmas Eve, committing to an investment of £245 million into Old Trafford.
January 2024 – Ratcliffe and his chief advisor, Sir Dave Brailsford, are spotted meeting with Erik ten Hag during a visit to Carrington.
January 2024 – Omar Berrada is recruited from Manchester City to take on the role of the new CEO.
February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 27.7 percent stake for £1 billion is officially completed.
February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold resigns from the board, with Ineos affiliates John Rees and Rob Nevin being appointed.
March 2024 – In a surprising directive, Ratcliffe bans the phrases “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino.”
March 2024 – Matt Johnson is appointed as the new head of women’s football.
March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces ambitious plans for a “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford.
March 2024 – On March 21, the share price of Manchester United on the NYSE drops to $13.73, down from $20.52 since Ratcliffe’s takeover in December.
April 2024 – Senior staff’s club credit cards and private vehicle usage are officially canceled.
April 2024 – John Murtough resigns as football director.
April 2024 – Jason Wilcox is named technical director after a compensation agreement is reached with Southampton.
May 2024 – Ratcliffe fosters a “toxic” work environment at Carrington after berating employees in an email for the “disgraceful” state of cleanliness.
May 2024 – Repairs finally begin on the leaking roof of Old Trafford.
May 2024 – Manchester United finishes the Premier League season in eighth place, marking their lowest position in history.
May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees one week to decide on redundancy offers.
May 2024 – Staff must self-fund their travel to the FA Cup final and are provided with only one ticket each.
May 2024 – The pre-match gathering and accommodations for senior staff before the FA Cup final are eliminated.
May 2024 – Manchester United surprises rivals Manchester City to win the FA Cup, despite speculation that Erik ten Hag could be sacked regardless of the result.
June 2024 – Manchester United announces a £50 million initiative to upgrade the Carrington training facilities.
June 2024 – Ratcliffe enforces a strict “back to work” policy, requiring staff to return to the office.
June 2024 – Ratcliffe embarrasses himself with remarks concerning the women’s team.
July 2024 – Manchester United completes a deal to hire Dan Ashworth as sporting director after a four-month gardening leave from Newcastle, who receive £3 million in compensation.
July 2024 – Erik ten Hag unexpectedly agrees to a contract extension until 2026.
July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake are appointed as assistant managers, while Andreas Georgson becomes the first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar takes on the role of goalkeeping coach. Darren Fletcher transitions from technical director to first-team coach, and Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag, and Benni McCarthy depart from the club.
July 2024 – Former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins as an interim director of recruitment on a short-term basis.
July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc is added to the Manchester United board.
July 2024 – The club reduces the number of staff on its US pre-season tour to 125.
July 2024 – Ratcliffe lays off 250 employees, affecting notable figures like media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler, and kitman Alex Wylie.
August 2024 – Manchester United spends £199 million during the summer transfer window.
August 2024 – Matchday staff lunches are eliminated, with some employees forced to eat near restroom facilities.
October 2024 – Manchester United discontinues the annual £2 million ambassador salary for Sir Alex Ferguson.
October 2024 – The staff Christmas party is canceled.
October 2024 – The “back to work” policy incurs significant costs to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home games.
October 2024 – Erik ten Hag is dismissed after the club falls to 14th place in the Premier League, resulting in a £15 million payout.
November 2024 – Ruben Amorim is appointed as the new Manchester United manager on a contract until 2027, after a £10 million release clause is paid.
November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is let go by the newly appointed manager, Ruben Amorim.
November 2024 – Manchester United executives engage in a blame game regarding the mismanagement of the summer, particularly concerning Erik ten Hag and transfer signings.
November 2024 – Reports indicate Ratcliffe’s intention to cut the £40,000 budget allocated to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.
December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits that Manchester United is “mediocre” and “still in the last century.”
December 2024 – Fans protest after the elimination of concessions for the elderly and children, with the minimum price for home tickets rising to £66.
December 2024 – Dan Ashworth is terminated after just five months as sporting director.
December 2024 – A £100 Christmas bonus for staff is replaced with a £40 M&S voucher.
December 2024 – During a press conference after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, the ceiling begins leaking in front of Ruben Amorim.
December 2024 – Reports surface of a rodent infestation at Old Trafford, with droppings found in food kiosks and luxury boxes, resulting in a decline of food hygiene ratings to just two stars.
December 2024 – SunSport reveals that Ratcliffe has reduced the £40,000 funding donation to the Association of Former Manchester United Players charity.
