The Premier League Table Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd Takeover

· GiveMeSport

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's struggles as Manchester United co-owner are no so apparent than how the Premier League looks during his time at the club.

When Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in Manchester United many of their fans believed he would restore the club's glory days and bring back the good times at Old Trafford.

That hasn't happened. In fact, United have endured the worst period in the club's history under Ratcliffe's co-ownership. Three head coach appointments have taken place in as many years and behind-the-scenes there has been constant talk of issues.

Michael Carrick looks set to become the latest managerial casualty at Old Trafford, but fans made clear they don't blame him for this season's car crash. While the Stretford End booed his players following a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, they had chanted against Ratcliffe, the Glazers and INEOS throughout that game.

So how bad has it been since Ratcliffe and his team took over the club's sporting operations? Opta have put together a Premier League table consisting of clubs that have been in the top-flight throughout his ownership and where they rank based on results.

United fans have been put through the ringer in recent years but Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been forced to watch their club fight against relegation. Given they have finished 17th twice in consecutive seasons, it comes as little surprise to see them sitting rock bottom of the league since Ratcliffe arrived.

Spurs have won just 29 of 97 league games but, unlike the Red Devils, they appear to be turning a corner. Roberto De Zerbi's men beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and there are signs that they are on the up.

Above them in 14th are Nottingham Forest and by 16 points, highlighting just how poor the Lilywhites have been. Joining them in the bottom three are Everton, who underwent an ownership change of their own in December 2024, 10 months after Ratcliffe rocked up at Old Trafford.

Some of these teams can excuse their low position due to playing in Europe and that's the case for Crystal Palace. They sit 12th but spent last season achieving a first-ever European triumph, winning the UEFA Conference League a season after lifting the FA Cup.

Fulham weren't distracted by midweek European football but have been a mid-table team ever since their promotion to the top-flight in 2023. They've been a tricky side for many opponents, including United who were held to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage earlier this season.

Since 20 Feb 2024

Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion are arguably the blueprint for how a football club should be run, and they have made improvements season after season. This term they are both flying high in the Premier League and have been competing at the same level as United since Ratcliffe's arrival.

In 10th place are the Bees, just two points behind the Red Devils, whose ninth-placed position speaks volumes of the struggles during INEOS' regime. A club that spent decades dominating English football has fallen from grace and the fact that they have only won three more games than they have lost paints a picture.

Brighton are above them and will likely rise up the table under Fabian Hurzeler, who has reportedly snubbed the United job. Ratcliffe has a decision to make over Carrick following a disastrous 3-0 loss to Bournemouth and the Cherries are another one of the Premier League's over performers, occupying seventh.

Eddie Howe is one of the reported frontrunners to replace Carrick and he's largely why Newcastle United take sixth spot. His reign at St James' Park saw the Magpies win the Carabao Cup along with qualifying for the Champions League twice, something the Old Trafford outfit have failed to do under Ratcliffe.

Since 20 Feb 2024

Ratcliffe has come under immense criticism because of his insistence on a different footballing structure. The United coach has little influence on transfers as the INEOS chief looks to Jason Wilcox to run recruitment as sporting director while CEO Omar Berrada works closely with him.

That's exactly why Unai Emery is likely to immediately turn down an approach if Ratcliffe wants him. The Spaniard is given full control at Aston Villa, and it's paying off with a Europa League triumph and his side taking fifth place over the course of the INEOS chaos.

Above Villa are Chelsea, whose BlueCo owners had put a similar setup in place at Stamford Bridge up until the appointment of Xabi Alonso in the summer. No longer using the head coach title, the Blues have remained competitive since Ratcliffe purchased a stake in United, ironically a club whom the British billionaire showed interest in back in 2022.

Ratcliffe spoke about the importance of 'best in class' when taking sporting control at Old Trafford, but his club are a long way off the Premier League's best in class. That includes Liverpool, who won the title in the same season INEOS started calling the shots at the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester City are ranked second although their success since 2012 has been marred after being found guilty of breaching financial regulations. But the Sky Blues have truly turned the tide on Manchester, with 76 points separating the two neighbours.

Ratcliffe might be wise to point to Arsenal as an example of sticking with a long-term plan, as the Gunners' faith in Mikel Arteta led to a first title since 2004 last season. They have been the best performing side since he and INEOS' arrival in the Premier League, winning 64 of 97 games and maybe there's merit in United's co-owner planning for similar glory by 2028.

Since 20 Feb 2024

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