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SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority stake acquisition of Manchester United was disclosed on Christmas Eve in 2023, triggering pivotal changes at Old Trafford…
December 2023 – Manchester United announces Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, committing to an investment of £245m into Old Trafford.
January 2024 – Ratcliffe and his close associate Sir Dave Brailsford are spotted meeting with Erik ten Hag during a tour of Carrington.
January 2024 – Omar Berrada is recruited from Manchester City to take on the role of new CEO.
February 2024 – The £1 billion, 27.7% acquisition by Ratcliffe is officially completed.
February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold leaves the board, while Ineos affiliates John Rees and Rob Nevin are appointed.
March 2024 – In an unusual move, Ratcliffe prohibits the terms “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino.”
March 2024 – Matt Johnson is appointed as the head of women’s football.
March 2024 – Ratcliffe reveals plans for a “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford.
March 2024 – The NYSE share price for Manchester United dips to $13.73 on March 21, down from $20.52 following Ratcliffe’s acquisition in December.
April 2024 – Club credit cards and private cars for senior staff are revoked.
April 2024 – John Murtough resigns from his position as football director.
April 2024 – Jason Wilcox is appointed as technical director after reaching a compensation agreement with Southampton.
May 2024 – Ratcliffe creates a “toxic” environment at Carrington by sending an email denouncing the “disgraceful” cleanliness standards.
May 2024 – Repairs commence on the leaking roof of Old Trafford.
May 2024 – Manchester United concludes the Premier League season in eighth place, their lowest finish ever.
May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees a week to respond to redundancy offers.
May 2024 – Staff must cover their own transportation costs to the FA Cup final and are allocated only one ticket each.
May 2024 – Plans for a pre-match gathering and hotel accommodations for senior staff before the FA Cup final are scrapped.
May 2024 – In an unexpected result, Manchester United triumphs over rival Manchester City to win the FA Cup, despite speculations about Erik ten Hag’s potential dismissal regardless of the outcome.
June 2024 – Manchester United announces a £50 million initiative to enhance the Carrington training facility.
June 2024 – Ratcliffe enforces a strict “back to work” policy requiring staff to return to the office.
June 2024 – Ratcliffe faces criticism for his remarks regarding the women’s team.
July 2024 – Manchester United successfully completes a deal to hire Dan Ashworth as sporting director after a four-month gardening leave at Newcastle, compensating them £3 million.
July 2024 – Erik ten Hag unexpectedly agrees to extend his contract until 2026.
July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake are appointed as assistant managers, with Andreas Georgson stepping in as first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar taking on the goalkeeping coach role. Darren Fletcher transitions from technical director to first-team coach, while Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag, and Benni McCarthy depart the club.
July 2024 – Former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins as interim director of recruitment on a short-term basis.
July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc is included on the Manchester United board.
July 2024 – The number of staff attending the US pre-season tour is cut down to 125.
July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 employees redundant, including popular media figure John Allen, historian Cliff Butler, and kitman Alex Wylie.
August 2024 – Manchester United invests £199 million during the summer transfer window.
August 2024 – Matchday lunchboxes for staff are eliminated, forcing some to eat near restrooms.
October 2024 – Manchester United ends the annual £2 million ambassador salary for Sir Alex Ferguson.
October 2024 – The staff Christmas celebration is called off.
October 2024 – The “back to work” policy leads to significant costs for the club as hospitality suites are converted into temporary offices between home matches.
October 2024 – Erik ten Hag is fired with the club positioned 14th in the Premier League table, resulting in a £15 million payout for the club.
November 2024 – Ruben Amorim is appointed as the new Manchester United manager on a contract until 2027 after triggering a £10 million release clause.
November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is dismissed by the new manager Ruben Amorim.
November 2024 – Manchester United officials engage in a blame game regarding the tumultuous summer, focusing on Erik ten Hag’s situation and transfer decisions.
November 2024 – Reports suggest Ratcliffe intends to halve the £40,000 budget for the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association.
December 2024 – Ratcliffe acknowledges Manchester United’s “mediocre” condition, noting it is “still in the last century.”
December 2024 – Fans protest against the cessation of concession tickets for seniors and children, with the minimum home ticket price rising to £66.
December 2024 – Dan Ashworth is relieved of his duties after five months as sporting director.
December 2024 – The £100 Christmas bonus for staff is substituted with a £40 M&S voucher.
December 2024 – Leaks begin to appear in the ceiling during Ruben Amorim’s press conference following a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.
December 2024 – Reports of a mouse infestation at Old Trafford arise, with rodent droppings found in food kiosks and luxury suites, resulting in a decrease in food hygiene ratings to just two stars.
December 2024 – SunSport reveals that Ratcliffe has withdrawn a £40,000 donation to the Association of Former Manchester United Players charity.
