Schmeichel: "I’m a bit disappointed with the way Ratcliffe running the club."

Manchester United legend goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is "a bit disappointed" with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stewardship at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe gained control of football operations in 2024, but his tenure has overseen several missteps.

Ahead of Ratcliffe’s first full season as co-owner, the first major decision by Ineos was to resolve Erik ten Hag’s future. The Dutchman’s contract was extended, only for him to be sacked a few months later.

Following Ten Hag’s departure, Ruud van Nistelrooy took over as interim manager before Rúben Amorim was appointed permanent head coach. Manchester United paid around £11 million to release Amorim from his contract with Sporting CP, yet he was dismissed after just 14 months in charge and received a £10 million severance package.

Shortly after Amorim’s appointment, Dan Ashworth resigned from his role as sporting director at United. Ratcliffe has spent a total of £14.5 million on payouts related to the dismissals of Ten Hag, his coaching staff, and Ashworth.

Ratcliffe’s off-field decisions have also drawn criticism, with fans protesting against the Premier League’s single-match ticket price rising to £66, with no concessions for children or pensioners.

Schmeichel recently gave an interview and was asked about his view of Ratcliffe following yet another managerial sacking.

“I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed,” Schmeichel said. “When you look at it from the perspective of a Manchester United fan, you’d think these decisions would benefit the club. But many of the big calls have been wrong. There’s no strong, positive narrative around Manchester United—and to me, that might be the most disappointing part.”

“Because I think the best approach is to forget about the owners and focus on the football—let the football do the talking. But in the past two years, we’ve said goodbye to one sporting director and two head coaches.”

“I don’t think this is where Manchester United should be—or where we, as fans, want our club to be. So in that sense, things aren’t ideal. But it’s not easy, right? Running a football club has never been simple.”

Michael Carrick was appointed as manager for the remainder of the season. Although Carrick oversaw an impressive victory over Manchester City in his first match in charge, Schmeichel remained level-headed.

When asked what Carrick would need to achieve to be given the job permanently in the summer, he said: “It’s still too early. The club’s stated position is that they’d appoint an interim manager and then make a permanent appointment in the summer. He’s only managed one game.”

“Michael Carrick is certainly among the best names being mentioned, but we need to take it slowly. Give him space and peace to work with the team. If it works out, that would be great.”

“But I won’t get involved in discussions about whether he’ll get the job, whether he’s the best candidate, or who else might be in the running. It’s simply too early, and I won’t be naming anyone.”