Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘obsessed’ with winning trophy more important to him than Man Utd lifting Premier League
MANCHESTER UNITED chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to win one of the most “elusive” trophies this year.
Ratcliffe, 71, took over a 27.7 per cent stake of United back in February in a deal that also saw him take up the reins on all sporting operations at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim will be hoping to combine his arrival with a trophy in his first year in charge of the Red Devils on May 25 when Erik ten Hag’s side faces rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
However, the British billionaire has his fingers in a lot of other pies with INEOS who are looking to make history in one of the most historic competitions.
Ratcliffe is “obsessed” with winning the America’s Cup, which kicks off on August 22 and runs until October 20.
Sky News reporter Rob Harris tweeted: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is obsessed with trying to win a prize more elusive for Britain than the Premier League trophy for Manchester United.”
The UK has never won the prestigious sailing trophy and the INEOS chief is looking to make history with Britannia, the boat he created in his bid to conquer the competition dubbed the F1 of the oceans.
Ratcliffe told Sky News: “Manchester United is another sporting challenge and it’s a very big one obviously, probably one of the biggest ones in the world.
“But this, I think for the UK, this is one of the biggest sporting challenges you could find.
“Whilst the UK has won just about every international sporting competition there is in the world, the one and only it has never won has been the sailing one.”
Ratcliffe has his hands full at United after a hapless campaign that saw the team finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
The minority shareholder will have to decide on Ten Hag’s future, who has come under immense scrutiny throughout the campaign.
Raphael Varane has also announced his imminent departure from the club once his contract runs out at the end of the season.
More players could follow Varane, such as Anthony Martial whose deal also expires in June.
Why Man Utd must win FA Cup
ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United must pay back their world-class fans with an FA Cup triumph after their awful league season, writes Tom Barlcay.
United came eighth which was their lowest-ever finish despite winning 2-0 on the final day at Brighton.
They also came away from a miserable campaign with a negative goal difference – but still can win a trophy when they take on Manchester City in next week’s cup final.
The away fans roared themselves hoarse just as they have done all term despite the poor results.
Boss Ten Hag said: “We have the best fans in the world and I mean this.
“I have never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough, that the supporters are with us.
“They are with us in the bad season and in bad times they are there. I think also they know why the bad times are there.
“But we have to pay them back and we have to do everything to give them a trophy next week but also for the future, we have to perform better.”
United won thanks to late goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.
But for the second game running, Hojlund began the match on the bench as United opted for a false nine – in a hint over how United will set up in the cup final.
That was how they played in March’s 3-1 defeat to City at the Etihad in the league, too.
Ten Hag added: “It’s a luxury problem. Both formations can be a success because we can set up like we did at the Etihad where we were a threat with movement in behind.
“But of course with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it’s absolutely a consideration and a thought that we have to consider.
“You need not only 11 players in a tough final but a bench as well.”
Hojlund’s tally now stands at 16 goals in his maiden season after the 21-year-old arrived from Atalanta for £72million last summer.
Reflecting on the Dane’s campaign, Ten Hag observed: “It could always be better but don’t forget he had three injuries this season.
“He came in with the injury, missed the start, then he got injured before winter and then he got injured after winter. So every time that broke his rhythm and if you then shoot 16 goals for the first season it’s OK. And it’s not over, we have to play the FA Cup final.”