The Anniversary of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Involvement with Manchester United: A Focus on the Women’s Team
As December 24 approaches, it heralds a year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman and founder of INEOS, acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, gaining significant influence over the club’s operations.
In recognition of this milestone, The Athletic has reached out to various sources to assess the changes brought about by Ratcliffe and INEOS at United over the past year.
Today, we delve into the implications of this ownership shift for the United women’s team, with an upcoming feature on the men’s team planned for tomorrow.
Aiming for Excellence: The Vision for the United Women’s Team
At the Manchester United women’s temporary offices in Carrington, a golden step adorns the staircase, boldly proclaiming: “2028 Women’s Super League Winners.” This ambitious vision echoes throughout the club.
A photo capturing the United women’s team celebrating their triumph with the 2024 FA Cup trophy graces the wall nearby, alongside an inspiring mantra: “We are here to entertain, revolutionise, inspire, and win.”
Ascending the staircase brings one closer to a visual timeline of the team’s journey, tracing back to its revival in May 2018, after a decade-long hiatus, through to their recent Under-16 Premier Girls’ Cup victory.
Setting Ambitious Goals
The next flight of stairs features eight unmarked grey steps, leading to a vision articulated by new chief executive Omar Berrada. In a September address to staff, he outlined the club’s goal to secure the men’s 21st league title and the women’s first title by 2028, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Manchester United.
Since taking control of sporting operations at United last Christmas, INEOS has established a clear focus on winning. While Ratcliffe emphasized winning as the core objective for the women’s team during his initial media engagement in February, the year that followed has shown a predominant focus on the men’s team.
An INEOS representative described Ratcliffe as “extremely honest” and someone who avoids making promises he cannot fulfill. Despite the ambitious goal for the women’s team, the spokesperson acknowledged that INEOS has yet to develop a concrete strategy to realize aspirations for 2028 and admitted their influence has been somewhat limited over the past year.
Team Culture and Core Values
Seeking to build a strong team culture, the women’s players have crafted their own motto with the assistance of a psychologist. In the analysis room of their Carrington offices, the words “Together, Relentless, Authentic, and Courageous” resonate, encapsulating the acronym TRAC—symbolizing their commitment to stay on track.
Additionally, United has implemented a new set of regulations tailored for the women’s team, ensuring alignment with the men’s standards. These protocols facilitate structured player conduct during the season, reinforcing commitment to professionalism across both squads.
INEOS’ Focus: Sustainability and Restructuring
INEOS has turned its primary focus to the men’s team, prioritizing the club’s sustainability and cost management to adhere to financial regulations. However, the company has not specifically targeted enhancements for the women’s side. The hiring of Omar Berrada is seen as a beneficial step, given his support for women’s football; yet, his appointment has not translated into impactful strategies for the women’s team.
INEOS’ investment of £50 million predominantly benefitted the men’s first-team building, which compelled the women’s team to vacate their newly opened facilities just weeks after INEOS’ arrival. This has led the squad to train temporarily at St George’s Park, the FA’s facilities in Staffordshire.
Facilities and Training Experience
Despite these setbacks, the women’s squad now shares high-quality equipment with the men’s side, experiencing upgrades in training facilities. The rehabilitation room showcases advanced amenities, and the players appreciate access to top-tier resources. Their canteen continues to serve fan-favorite meals, ensuring a semblance of continuity amid the changes.
The squad remains determined, training on pitches maintained to the same standards as their home venue, Leigh Sports Village. United’s efforts towards creating a sense of privacy and professionalism for both teams indicate a progressive approach to player development.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Looking ahead, the women’s team faces uncertainty as they navigate recent changes in personnel and management. Key players have departed, opting for new opportunities elsewhere, prompting concerns about maintaining competitiveness within the squad.
Nonetheless, the United women’s team stands at a pivotal moment, armed with ambition and the potential for growth. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acknowledged that women’s football is gaining momentum, stressing the importance of inclusivity in Manchester United’s journey.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Awaits
As United moves forward into the next year, the hope is that the club will take significant strides to elevate the women’s team and fully integrate them into the narrative of Manchester United’s storied legacy. While the past year has seen a focus on restructuring, it remains to be seen how INEOS will channel its efforts to support the United women’s side and realize the potential of a vibrant and competitive future.
(Top photos: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
