Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been dubbed ‘pathetic’ by supporters for snubbing Manchester United women’s FA Cup final in favour of a trip to watch the men at Old Trafford. Marc Skinner’s side were chasing their first ever FA Cup triumph at Wembley Stadium, but new minority owner Ratcliffe wasn’t there to watch.
It comes just weeks after Ratcliffe made the extraordinary effort to watch United’s men during their humiliating FA Cup semi-final clash against Coventry City, moments after completing the London Marathon. However, the British billionaire didn’t repay the favour for the women’s team, with Ratcliffe instead opting to attend the Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The decision has caused fury among supporters, with one taking to X to label Ratcliffe ‘pathetic’. @KobiiBanks said on the social media site: “Why won’t Ratcliffe be there [at the FA Cup final]? I’m hearing he’ll attend the Arsenal game. Pathetic from Ratcliffe seriously?”
They weren’t alone though, with @jamessversion saying: “United Men – not in a final. United Women – in a final. You’ll never guess where Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be at 2.30pm.”
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Whereas @_MUFCJames added: “Fa cup final for the women’s or a dead rubber game for the men? Should be an easy decision for ratcliffe and Ineos…”
And @truereddevil99: “Hope Jim will be here and not at a worthless men’s game.”
While Ratcliffe may have been absent for the FA Cup final in the capital, Avram Glazer represented United for the showpiece event. However, it will do little to appease those who were hoping to see Ratcliffe supporting the women’s team during what was meant to be a new era for the Red Devils.
Manager Skinner had spoken with optimism when Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group were confirmed as the new co-owners. Commenting back in March, Skinner said: “I see it as a real positive move. I think if you know me as a character, my energy is full in, I’m all in so with my energy, coupled with the fantastic movement of the Ineos investment, I think it’s a real positive moment.
“We have to capitalise on that, we’re going to try to do that, we’re going to put all our behaviours in place for that. It’s hopefully a springboard for everybody to find the success that everybody wants for Man United.”
