Manchester United part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was visibly frustrated during the club's recent match against Southampton. His dissatisfaction was primarily directed towards two big-money players, Antony and Leny Yoro.
Ratcliffe, whose stake in the club was ratified in 2024, is not a regular attendee of every game at the Theatre of Dreams. However, he has been spotted more frequently than the Glazer family and made an appearance for the comeback victory over Southampton on Thursday night.
Despite trailing for most of the match after a surprise lead by Ivan Juric's side due to an own goal by Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United managed to secure a win thanks to a hat-trick from Ivorian winger Amad.
Frustrations on display
Before this late comeback though, there were several frustrating moments that did not escape Ratcliffe’s attention. One such incident involved Antony failing to score from point-blank range. The half-time substitute wasn't alone in attracting Ratcliffe’s ire; summer signing Yoro also had his share of criticism after being outplayed by Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The overall performance from Manchester United did little to convince Ratcliffe that major changes aren't needed within the squad. It is understood that United are prepared to listen to offers for their entire team with some players closer than others towards exiting Old Trafford. Antony who joined from Ajax for £81m in 2022 is among those deemed most likely on their way out if a suitable offer arrives. High earners like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro could also find themselves elsewhere by January end potentially freeing up funds and wage budget for Ruben Amorim to bolster his ranks.
The recent Premier League match against Southampton has highlighted the need for changes within Manchester United. The team's performance, particularly from Antony and Leny Yoro, has left part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe visibly frustrated. With potential squad changes on the horizon, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of Manchester United.
