Ratcliffe sees early signs of progress from Manchester United reset

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe admits key decisions at Manchester United made him unpopular but says early signs of progress are now visible
• United have climbed back into the Champions League places under interim head coach Michael Carrick
• Benjamin Sesko late equaliser at West Ham underlined renewed belief within the squad

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acknowledged that several of his decisions at Manchester United made him deeply unpopular but believes the early signs now suggest those choices are beginning to deliver positive results.

The 73 year old, who acquired a significant stake in the club two years ago, oversaw a series of structural and football related changes that drew criticism from supporters and pundits alike. These included sweeping cost cutting measures, operational restructuring and the dismissal of two managers, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Speaking to Sky News, Ratcliffe compared his experiences in football to political leadership, stressing that difficult choices are often unavoidable when long term reform is required.

“I have seen quite a bit of this at the football club,” Ratcliffe said. “If you do difficult things, which we felt we had to do at Manchester United, you become very unpopular for a while. But we believed they were the right things to do.”

He added: “I have been very unpopular at Manchester United because we have made lots of changes. But for the better, in my view. And I think we are beginning to see some evidence that it is starting to pay off.”

On the pitch, United have shown signs of recovery under interim head coach Michael Carrick. The team have won four and drawn one of their last five league matches, lifting them back into the Champions League qualification positions after a troubled first half of the campaign.

Their latest result came in dramatic fashion at West Ham, where Benjamin Sesko struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw. Introduced as a substitute in the sixty–ninth minute, Sesko reacted sharply to Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, flicking a delicate volley beyond the goalkeeper to salvage a point.

“It was one of those games that was never going to be easy,” Sesko told MUTV. “They were sitting deep, staying compact and trying to hit us on the counter. We kept pushing, kept believing, and at least we got something in the end.”

The Slovenia forward said the result reflected a renewed sense of unity and resilience within the squad.

“We are living for each other. Everyone is fighting, everyone wants to win and help the team. We believe we have the quality to secure a Champions League place, and we are going to fight for it,” he said.

Sesko added that the collective spirit within the group is becoming a defining feature of Carrick’s short tenure.

“It is a great feeling knowing I can help the team. Without my teammates, I cannot do anything. We are pushing together, and now we have to look forward and try to win the next game.”

While Ratcliffe remains aware that much work still lies ahead, both on and off the pitch, the recent upturn in form has provided a timely boost for a club still adjusting to significant structural change. For the first time in months, there is a sense of momentum building at Old Trafford.