Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Revolutionary Changes at Man Utd’s Old Trafford
In recent months, significant changes have taken place at Manchester United’s Old Trafford under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The objective of these modifications is clear: to restructure the club’s operations for improved efficiency and performance.
Radical Restructuring of Staff
Upon reviewing the club’s management, it became evident to senior officials that the organization was “over-dimensioned,” indicating an excess of personnel and roles. This realization coincided with mounting financial losses, leading to staff reductions as a solution. A decisive first round of layoffs eliminated 250 positions shortly after Ratcliffe’s arrival. This move was met with extensive internal discomfort.
In 2025, a second phase of layoffs followed, with 200 more redundancies initiated to refine the staffing model. This strategy aimed to allocate financial resources more effectively, enhancing operational efficiency.
Data Operations Overhaul
A significant area of focus has been the optimization of the club’s data operations. Ratcliffe noted that the club’s data analysis practices were outdated. He drew inspiration from Formula 1, which capitalizes on advanced data and AI methodologies.
To spearhead this transformation, Michael Sansoni was appointed as director of data in April 2024. Previously associated with the Mercedes F1 team, Sansoni has implemented substantial upgrades, positioning United’s data capabilities among the top four teams in the industry.
New Appointments and Leadership Changes
- 19 new senior staff members have joined Old Trafford.
- Key figures Collette Roche and Martin Mosley remain to ensure continuity.
- Roche oversees developments for a proposed 100,000-capacity stadium.
- Mosley was appointed as general counsel following the departure of Patrick Stewart.
New senior appointments also include Roger Bell as chief financial officer and Kirstin Furber as people director. Other essential roles filled include head of sports medicine and various positions in nutrition and performance management.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the restructuring process has been sweeping, uncertainty looms over whether these changes will yield positive results. Historically, success at football clubs, including Manchester United, is closely tied to on-field performances, which can fluctuate due to unforeseen factors.
One notable departure from recent activities is Dan Ashworth, the former sporting director. Despite a positive reputation, Ashworth left the role after only five months, following a compensation payment to Newcastle of £3 million. A disagreement regarding the club’s strategic direction led to another compensation settlement of approximately £4 million.
In conclusion, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul at Old Trafford is a bold attempt to redefine Manchester United’s operational framework. The full effects of these extensive changes will become clearer as the club navigates its upcoming challenges in the Premier League.
