Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not a very popular name among Man Utd fans, but Ineos, as a whole, have operated with welcome ruthlessness.
High-earning underachievers have been shifted, and the dressing room culture has been reset in just over two years since they arrived.
The culture of accountability has taken shape, where players who don’t perform consistently will have to bear the consequences now.
One such player is set to become an example of the same after Sir Jim Ratcliffe passed the final judgement on him after watching him recently.
Was Manuel Ugarte that bad against Leeds, or is he just an easy scapegoat for bigger problems?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s judgement on Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has had a troubled time at Old Trafford since signing, only showing his limited skill set in glimpses before his weaknesses get exposed.
He’s a limited passer, a weak ball-carrier, and the Premier League is too intense for him to do his off-the-ball work with purpose and clarity.
All of these limitations were exposed in his most recent start for Man Utd, in the 2-1 loss against Leeds at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo’s absence thrust him into the starting lineup, and it immediately became clear how unsuited he was to the league.
Ratcliffe was in the director’s box that day, and Ugarte’s struggles reaffirmed his stance that he wanted the Uruguayan sold, as per The Athletic.
The report states that Ratcliffe was not convinced by Ugarte and wanted him sold before the Leeds game as well, but his display against fierce rivals at home underlined the owner’s stance that he’s right.
Man Utd need to handle Ugarte sale carefully
Selling Ugarte or not can be the difference between how many midfielders United buy in the transfer window.
What is a realistic asking price for Manuel Ugarte in 2026?
Will Man Utd have to accept a huge loss on Ugarte?
Having said that, with the club in four competitions next season, Ugarte’s sale must be on the club’s terms instead of being backed into a corner.
For one, all loan deals should be rejected out of hand, because United will find plenty of use for Ugarte across four competitions if they’re not offloading him permanently.
Then, any loan deals with a mandatory buy option should be considered, but only if the fee is high enough and the salary coverage is complete.
Ugarte is an Ineos signing, so he’s not on mind-boggling wages, leaving no reason for any interested club to plead poverty.
Furthermore, there’s clearly a talented player there who’s just not suited to English football, so United shouldn’t approach his sale with a matter of desperation.
They should handle it carefully, and establish themselves in a position of strength long before any offers arrive.
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