The problems Jim Ratcliffe saw as he watched first Man Utd game since takeover
Manchester United 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Hojlund 3′, Rashford 40′ | Richarlison 19′, Bentancur 46′)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cultivated a reputation for being a straight-talking problem solver, having saved numerous businesses from the brink and transforming them into revenue-generating monsters.
Due diligence would have been done ahead of his latest undertaking, which is perhaps what made Manchester United such an appealing project.
The very richest are never satisfied, that is why they are where they are. After a familiarly problematic display against an injury-ravaged Tottenham, there was no masking what Ratcliffe – watching from the stands for the first time since his 25 per cent stake was confirmed – most likely already knew: this really will be his biggest challenge yet.
United cannot even get the simple things right. A tweet reminded supporters not to forget their “game-specific” NFTs. No match-going fan leaves home without one.
On the pitch, there were murmurs Ratcliffe had picked up a bargain as Rasmus Hojlund thundered home United’s quickest home goal since 2020 to give the hosts the lead.
But while others were getting carried away, Ratcliffe will have known full well what he signed up for. Sure enough, Spurs assumed control.
Quite how Richarlison’s headed goal from a corner was all Spurs could muster in the opening period only they will know. Diogo Dalot headed one off the line from another corner, while Cristian Romero thudded the crossbar from another simple, whipped cross.
These were not ingenious set piece routines, just basic crosses from a Spurs side without 11 first-teamers, five of their front six, but with a centre-back pairing each playing his first match of the year.
One thing that has been undeniable in the past decade of decay at Old Trafford is that the talent is there – Marcus Rashford’s fine finish just before half-time – his first home goal since May – a reminder of what this team is capable of.
Ditto the start of the second half. Fifty seconds after the break and Spurs levelled again through Rodrigo Bentancur – a move again not out of place on Hackney Marshes, such was its simplicity.
One pass, along the floor, from the edge of his own six-yard box from Romero cut through a non-existent United midfield, debutant Timo Werner, who had endured an afternoon as profligate as much of Chelsea career, played a simple centre for Bentancur to finish.
Spurs understandably tired as the match wore on, but they were able to hang on for a point with ease.
United were able to bring on £85m Antony, a move booed by home supporters. Not because the departing player is any kind of fan favourite as Rashford also received a frosty reception. It was almost as if United were trying to highlight problem areas for the new boardroom faces.
The game passed Christian Eriksen by, leaving teenager Kobbie Mainoo struggling to fuel the United engine room on his own – nothing new there.
Out-of-position full-backs were exposed time and again, Bruno Fernandes spent more time gesticulating than creating and Rashford’s penchant for running down blind alleys knew no bounds.
“Their second came from a goal kick, we should defend the diagonal,” Erik ten Hag said. “It is no good but I have seen some good spells from us.
“There is progress. We created some other chances, I think that was well played and that pleased me.”
Ten Hag, effectively auditioning for his own job, has to do all he can to convince the new overlords, so can be excused the positivity.
Ratcliffe will know, having steered many failing businesses back on to the straight and narrow, that he is going to need to see much more to enable Ten Hag to see his one, final rescue act through.
