The INEOS billionaire is ranked as the second richest person in the UK, according to Forbes
The first stage of their seismic change has been executed.
The surprise of 450 job cuts.
Nearly a complete overhaul of senior management.
Significant changes intentionally carried out rapidly in a bid to ensure the process was not dragged out and the inevitable unease could start to calm down faster.
After the extensive Manchester United exodus has come the restructuring.
The Beginning of Substantial Overhaul
After investing £1.25bn for a minority stake in United on Christmas Eve 2023, Ratcliffe pledged to return the club to the peak of the English game.
Additionally, he sought to make it profitable.
Staggering financial losses of £113.2m to mid-2024 subsequently led Ratcliffe to claim the following March that, if no measures were taken, the club would "become insolvent" by Christmas.
On-Pitch Adjustments
The impact of the on-pitch upheaval is there for all to see.
Erik ten Hag was replaced as manager by the Portuguese coach.
Over £450m was invested in the senior team.
Ratcliffe spent £50m renovating United's Carrington training complex.
A look inside Man Utd's renovated facilities
Organizational Substantial Adjustments
Internally the changes have been dramatic.
The driving force was twofold.
During their examination of the internal operations of the club, key executives around the ownership determined it was "too large", as per one observer close to the process.
In other words, there were surplus employees and unnecessary roles.
Economic Constraints
They found a structure which they felt required United to be competing in the premier European tournament every season and fighting for the English top flight.
Lack of success put a burden on finances.
Upon forming such a view and with significant financial shortfalls, slashing staff numbers was a difficult yet necessary reality.
Personnel Changes
The first round of 250 staff within a short period of Ratcliffe's takeover was implemented to get the numbers down.
There is recognition internally that the impact felt was widespread, the surprise substantial.
It was the subsequent phase of 200 job cuts this year that allowed the leadership to adopt a new employment approach, so resources could be allocated in what was felt to be a better manner.
Data Revolution
Nowhere is the effect of that more evident than in United's statistical analysis.
Through a conversation with the respected supporters' fanzine in the end of 2024, Ratcliffe portrayed the club's approach to performance metrics as being in the "previous era".
The consensus was that Formula 1 was the sport at the vanguard of statistical analysis and machine learning.
Strategic Hires
Therefore, Sansoni's recruitment from the Mercedes F1 team as director of data in April was one of the least surprising moves.
Sansoni has completely revamped United's statistical resources, which are now being used extensively across team preparation, talent identification and training.
Management Structure
After the additional round of personnel changes there was a planned approach to recruit what have been described as "multi-talented individuals who are diverse and competent to contribute to multiple areas".
However, it's the management recruitment that really catch the eye, though.
A quick list of fresh faces among executive personnel at the Old Trafford club identifies nineteen individuals.
Continuity and Change
Some the departures were forced and, similar to any large corporation, a change in ownership can lead to movement at various levels - but the extent of transformation has been substantial.
Several key individuals continue: the chief operating officer and Martin Mosley.
Economic Improvement
As we approach the 24-month point of Ratcliffe's involvement, United are a substantially different organisation.
Those gargantuan losses have been cut to a sustainable amount.
United's latest accounts to 30 June 2025 demonstrated they were at £33m.
Officials project that the club will eventually become profitable.
Long-term Goals
"Present activities next week or in the next transfer window is part of life, but an eye needs to be kept on the future planning," says a club insider.
Continental competition of whatever form is the immediate target.
But the comprehensive reforms have not been made to accomplish that goal.
The ambitions are more significant.
Primary Ambitions
"If you are at Manchester United the mindset has to be focused on competing to win the English championship and continental trophy every year," says someone with an understanding of how the club is being run.
"That is a huge pressure.
Yet it ought to also be seen as a honor."
