Sir Jim Ratcliffe pulled no punches in a message to Manchester United staff, calling the shambolic state of the IT department a ‘disgrace’ and warning that ‘untidiness’ won’t be tolerated under his new regime.
The petro-chemicals billionaire has been overhauling United’s executive team off the pitch with the help of Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford and is determined to establish the highest standards possible.
As part of an audit on the current state of Manchester United, Ratcliffe was less-than-impressed with the cleanliness of facilities on a recent visit to the club’s Carrington training ground.
‘I had a good two-day visit to both Carrington and Old Trafford this week. As ever I was made to feel very welcome. Thank you,’ Ratcliffe’s note, which was sent to all staff and seen by Mail Sport, began.
‘I had a good tour around some of the facilities. I am afraid I was struck in many places by a high degree of untidiness. In particular the IT department which frankly was a disgrace and the dressing rooms of the U18 and U21 were not much better.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (above) pulled no punches in a message to Manchester United staff
Ratcliffe was less-than-impressed with the cleanliness at their Carrington training ground
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‘These standards would not come close to what we would expect at INEOS and we are a chemical company. Manchester United is an elite sporting organisation.
‘It’s a small thing in many ways but unless an organisation has standards and discipline it will not succeed.’
Brailsford is known for his ‘marginal gains’ approach to building successful sports entities and Ratcliffe and his Ineos team are expected to continue making major moves to improve United.
Omar Berrada is starting as CEO this summer, replacing Richard Arnold, while John Murtough has also departed as director of football with Dan Ashworth targeted as his replacement.
Earlier this week the Athletic reported that Ratcliffe asked United’s non-playing staff to return to the office in a bid to bring to an end the work-from-home culture at United.
Now, in a separate address, Ratcliffe has been keen to put an emphasis on all staff raising their standards when they are on site.
‘I would be grateful in future if we adopt the proper standards of housekeeping everywhere,’ he continued.
‘It reflects poorly on the club if we have visitors, young player parents, new players and the media and they see we don’t care enough to keep things shipshape.’
Manchester United have been approached for comment.
