Jamie Carragher blames Sir Jim Ratcliffe for Man Utd crisis after ‘obvious’ failure

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under fire following a difficult start to the season, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been told he needs to accept part of the responsibility.

Jamie Carragher has attacked Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, claiming that his “first big decision” at Old Trafford, keeping Erik ten Hag, was a mistake.

United manager Ten Hag is under pressure following a difficult start to the 2024-25 season. Seven points from six Premier League games have landed the squad in the bottom half of the standings, and they have blown leads to draw with Twente and Porto in Europe.

Following last season’s eighth-place performance, Ratcliffe and his squad considered changing their management. Ultimately, Ten Hag was kept on board and granted a contract extension as a sign of faith.

In addition, the former Ajax manager received £200 million in transfer funds. However, after watching still more challenges, analyst and former Liverpool player Carragher has urged Ratcliffe accept responsibility for the current shortcomings.

“If Manchester United fail to make significant improvements this season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos bear ultimate responsibility,” Carragher wrote for The Telegraph. “The current catastrophe is on their watch, and United is already battling to convince themselves that they are ready to compete in the Champions League next year.

“There’s no use in sugarcoating things. The new United leadership has had a dismal start to their Old Trafford rule, with one of their poorest choices being the most essential any board can make. Above all, make sure you have the correct management. Retaining Ten Hag is proving to be the cause for another wasted campaign, potentially costing another £200 million.

During the summer, United evaluated options to Ten Hag, including Thomas Tuchel, before deciding to keep him. Carragher accused Ratcliffe of choosing the “easy way out,” saying, “It is clear that there were serious doubts about Ten Hag’s ability to lead the rebuild.”

Ratcliffe is likely to be there at Villa Park on Sunday as Ten Hag’s squad seeks a crucial victory over Aston Villa. They won both games against Unai Emery’s team last season, although the Midlands club is coming off a Champions League victory at home against Bayern Munich.

When United faced Porto on Thursday, they appeared to be on their way to win, but a goal from Pepe and two from Samu Omorodion put the hosts ahead. Harry Maguire came off the bench to save a late point, and the centre-back said Ten Hag was not to blame for the latest collapse.

“It’s most likely a mental issue,” Maguire told TNT Sports. “I think it’s something we need to conquer. It most likely starts with belief. When we go 2-0 up and then concede, does the boys’ conviction in their ability to win the game diminish?

“It is something we should be aware of and work on. We must ensure that when we concede, we come together, regroup, and stay together, since that is an element of football that we must improve.”