Graeme Souness Criticizes Manchester United's Leadership and Recruitment Strategy
Souness highlighted the inconsistency in United’s decision-making since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS assumed control of the club’s football operations. He remarked, “I think the club are at their lowest point in the history of the Premier League, with the lowest quality group of players they’ve had in that time.” This statement underscores his belief that the current squad lacks the quality required to compete at the highest level.
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has expressed skepticism regarding the ability of Manchester United's football operations leaders, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, to steer the club towards success. Following a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the pressure mounted on Erik ten Hag, who was eventually dismissed after the team secured only three victories from their first nine matches.
Souness highlighted the inconsistency in United’s decision-making since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS assumed control of the club’s football operations. He remarked, “I think the club are at their lowest point in the history of the Premier League, with the lowest quality group of players they’ve had in that time.” This statement underscores his belief that the current squad lacks the quality required to compete at the highest level.
The former player is particularly critical of the signings made during the summer transfer window. He pointed out that the club invested around £200 million on players, including Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee, and questioned the judgment of Ashworth and Wilcox in sanctioning these acquisitions. “If they think those players are good enough for United, they’re wrong,” Souness stated, emphasizing that the poor recruitment must ultimately fall on the shoulders of the leadership.
With the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new manager, Souness acknowledges the significant challenge ahead for him. “Ruben Amorim’s job now is to get the best out of this group of players, in whatever system that may be,” he noted, highlighting the difficulties he faces in turning around the fortunes of a struggling team.
Souness's remarks coincide with sentiments from other football analysts, such as former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who has labeled Ratcliffe’s management as a “disgrace” and a “joke” since taking charge. The growing criticism surrounding United’s leadership reflects the increasing frustration among fans and pundits regarding the club's direction and strategy.
