Gary Lineker has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, labelling the INEOS chairman an "unpleasant human being" and a convenient shield for the Glazer family. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England striker delivered a scathing assessment of the club's current trajectory, calling out both off-pitch political controversies and a dismal start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign that has left the team languishing in the bottom half of the table.
The outspoken criticism follows a chaotic few days at Old Trafford. From mounting fan backlash over Ratcliffe's public remarks to growing frustration over manager Michael Carrick's tactical struggles, the optimism that accompanied INEOS's arrival has evaporated.
A Turbulent Reign Under INEOS
Lineker’s comments arrive at a precarious moment for Ratcliffe, who formally took control of United's football operations in February 2024 after purchasing a minority stake. Last weekend, the 73-year-old billionaire sparked intense backlash after stating that "nobody's tough enough to deal with the immigration problem" in the UK, echoing earlier claims that the nation had been "colonised." The remarks immediately prompted the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club to issue a statement demanding his exit.
The friction in the boardroom is mirrored by severe instability in the dugout. Since Ratcliffe assumed control, the club has cycled through managers at an alarming rate. Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, and his successor, Ruben Amorim, lasted just 14 months before being sacked in January 2026 following public disagreements over formations and transfer budgets. Michael Carrick, who steadied the ship as an interim boss to secure Champions League football last spring with 11 wins in 16 games, was handed the permanent role this summer—but his honeymoon period is already over.
"A Shambles of a Football Club"
Taking aim at the structural dysfunction, Lineker directed his criticism squarely at the ownership model. "I look at Man United and I see problems coming down from the top," Lineker stated on his podcast. "I must congratulate the Glazers on finding someone even worse than them that they can blame and getting him in there and getting all the stick: Jim Ratcliffe."
Lineker continued his ruthless assessment: "I don't think he's a particularly pleasant human being and it's a bit of a shambles of a football club the way it's being run at the moment. So, well done to the Glazers on that one, deflecting everything away from them! It is a bit of a mess that club. You've got a ground that's falling apart, all sorts of complaints about various things."
The pundit also pointed to an impending talent drain, highlighting the looming departure of highly-rated academy teenager JJ Gabriel, who has reportedly submitted a transfer request amid the ongoing chaos. United are currently tracking 15-year-old Valerenga prospect Gabriel Rajkovic as a potential £16 million replacement, but the loss of homegrown talent has further fueled the narrative of a club losing its identity.
On-Pitch Woes Compound the Crisis
Lineker is not the only high-profile figure voicing concern. Club legend Paul Scholes recently claimed the team is "a million miles away" from challenging for the title, accusing the recruitment team of "buying players just for the sake of it." The criticism follows an underwhelming summer transfer window where United notably missed out on primary targets like Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes.
The current squad's application has also been questioned. Sunday's lethargic 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage left United with just five points from their opening five Premier League fixtures—their joint-lowest return at this stage of a season. After the match, Carrick praised his players' energy levels, despite statistical evidence to the contrary. At Matchwise, our AI-driven match analysis confirms a steep drop in United's out-of-possession work rate this season, revealing that Carrick's side covers less ground defensively than almost any other team in the top flight.
With a growing injury list that now includes striker Benjamin Sesko—who withdrew from the Slovenia squad with a recurring shin issue—alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, Carrick faces an uphill battle. Forward Matheus Cunha sent a defiant message to critics following the Fulham draw, but words will do little to appease a fanbase rapidly losing patience.
As the international break begins, the spotlight intensifies on Ratcliffe and his INEOS sporting hierarchy. They must now navigate a fractured relationship with the supporters, an underperforming squad, and an increasingly vocal media landscape led by figures like Lineker who are refusing to pull their punches.
Why did Gary Lineker call Sir Jim Ratcliffe an "unpleasant human being"?
Lineker heavily criticised Ratcliffe on his podcast, The Rest is Football, due to controversial comments the Manchester United co-owner recently made regarding UK immigration policies, which Lineker and various supporter groups found deeply offensive.
What is Manchester United's current points tally in the Premier League?
After five matches in the 2026-27 Premier League season, Manchester United have accumulated just five points, leaving them in the bottom half of the table following a recent 1-1 draw against Fulham.