A former Premier League club CEO has raised concerns about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s management style at Manchester United, suggesting it resembles a “dictatorship.” The Ineos chairman completed a partial takeover of the club and quickly implemented a series of reforms, including mandating a return to office work and separating staff dining areas from players’ facilities.
Keith Wyness, former CEO of Aston Villa and Everton, commented on these changes, stating that Ratcliffe seems to be making a “mistake” by comparing United to his business empire. Wyness noted that football clubs are inherently different from industrial businesses due to their heavy reliance on human factors. He characterized Ratcliffe’s approach as “old-fashioned” and expressed disappointment in the lack of fresh thinking.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has faced criticism for his management style at Manchester United.
The recent changes at Manchester United under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe have sparked concerns among observers. A former CEO of a Premier League club has criticized Ratcliffe’s management style, suggesting it resembles a “dictatorship.”
Ratcliffe, the chairman of Ineos, completed a partial takeover of Manchester United and quickly implemented a series of reforms. These changes included mandating a return to office work for all staff and separating staff dining areas from the players’ canteen at the Carrington training ground.
Keith Wyness, a former CEO of Aston Villa and Everton, has criticized Ratcliffe’s approach.
Keith Wyness, who previously served as CEO for both Everton and Aston Villa, shared his thoughts on Ratcliffe’s reforms. He suggested that Ratcliffe’s dissatisfaction with the club may have led to a hasty reaction, and he questioned whether Ratcliffe was attempting to run United like his business empire.
Wyness commented: “Ratcliffe obviously doesn’t like what he sees. Whether that’s a knee-jerk reaction, I don’t know. But ever since he and his team have got near the building, he’s felt there’s too much waste, not enough engagement, not enough spirit.”
He further added: “He could be trying to compare it to his INEOS business, which would be a mistake. Football clubs are a lot more organic than industrial businesses – there are huge differences. Football is so heavily reliant on human beings.”
Wyness expressed his disappointment in Ratcliffe’s management approach.
Wyness expressed disappointment in Ratcliffe’s management approach, characterizing it as “old-fashioned” and lacking in fresh thinking. He stated: “Ratcliffe is very hands-on himself. We’ve gone back to an old-fashioned dictatorship style, to a degree. I hoped he might be a bit more enlightened.”
The criticism from Wyness highlights the challenges faced by Ratcliffe as he attempts to implement his vision for the club. It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe will adjust his management style or continue with his current approach.