For 20 years…’ Andy Mitten says Sir Jim Ratcliffe is doing what fans had been demanding from Glazers

Since the initial excitement of “Not the Glazers” surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS has faded, their standing among Manchester United’s fanbase has taken a steep dive.

Much of this decline stems from a series of tough and widely unpopular decisions they’ve implemented, including widespread layoffs and stringent financial cutbacks—moves that have been met with frustration and disappointment.

Even on the pitch, their leadership has been anything but steady. Controversial choices, such as extending Erik ten Hag’s contract only to later dismiss him, or hiring Dan Ashworth only to part ways with him soon after, have painted a picture of instability rather than progress.

However, despite the overall negative perception, it’s not all doom and gloom. Football journalist Andy Mitten has highlighted that, beneath the criticism, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is actually taking steps the fans have long demanded from the Glazers but never received.

When the Glazers announced their search for external investment, Manchester United supporters rejoiced at the prospect of fresh leadership. The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan, seemed like the perfect fairytale ending to their frustrations.

Yet, rather than a dream, the reality has felt more like a nightmare. The new ownership has become the face of the painful decisions necessitated by the financial missteps of the Glazers.

Still, it would be unfair to dismiss everything as a failure. There are glimpses of a more structured future taking shape, and as Andy Mitten pointed out on the United We Stand YouTube channel, perhaps the most crucial development is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is finally listening to what the fans have been demanding for years.