With his head in his hands, Sir Jim Ratcliffe witnessed Manchester United blow two leads and two points against Tottenham.
Ratcliffe, the new co-owner of the Red Devils, saw his first Manchester United match after acquiring a 25% stake in the team for £1.03 billion and gaining control of the football department.
When Manchester United twice gave up the lead against Spurs, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was unable to watch. Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson observed from the stands. Ratcliffe showed up at Old Trafford for his first match following the news of his acquisition. The British billionaire addressed the media inside the stadium after United forwards Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scored spectacular goals, but fifth-place Spurs twice drew even to deprive Sir Jim, who was seated next to legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, the ideal Old Trafford tonic.
However, head coach Erik ten Hag informed the team’s new head of football, “You’ve seen a team of fighters.”
“He will have seen two great goals and a team fighting for each other and trying to get a win,” stated the Dutch coach.
“We battled and gave it our all; there was a tremendous attitude and passion.
“The game was fantastic for everyone to watch, not just United supporters, because there was a great tempo,” the supporters said.
Ten Hag charged that United, who are now eight points off of the Champions League berths and sixth in the Premier League, are playing soft defense.
Ratcliffe’s pre-match assertion that United “normally do well against Spurs” did not materialize as Richarlison leveled the score with a flicked header from a corner, despite Hojlund’s goal in the third minute.
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Ratcliffe was joined in attendance by Sir Dave Brailsford.Erik ten Hag, the manager of the Red Devils, has previously met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Just before the half, Rodrigo Bentancur scored a second equalizer 50 seconds into the second half, but Marcus Rashford gave United another lead.
“I am quite disappointed,” Ten Hag remarked, “because it is frustrating to go ahead twice and then concede two soft goals.”
Ratcliffe, Ineos chief and lifelong Red Devils supporter, anticipates that the Premier League will approve his contract early in the next month.
“Correct. Yes,” was his response when asked if the deal was the most thrilling he had ever done.
“We hope they don’t find anything dodgy in our CV,” he continued.
Since we arrived, this is my first match. As you are aware, it has taken various turns, but these things require effort.
“Although I am thrilled to be here, I really can’t respond to any questions.”
Sir Jim has participated in professional sports with Nice in Ligue 1, cycling, and sailing.
But after first laying eyes on United “two or three years ago,” he declared that this was by far the most interesting project he had worked on.
“I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all—there is no doubt about that,” the millionaire declared.
Erik ten Hag, the manager, has already met with him; he would not elaborate on their discussions.
“I have met Erik, but until everything is formalized, it would be inappropriate to say anything,” he stated.
Ten Hag thought they were denied a clear penalty in the 32nd minute after Alejandro Garnacho appeared to be hauled down by Spurs defender Destiny Udogie. Ten Hag’s squad had only 36% of the possession.
The Dutchman cites the handball by Cristian Romero from a Garnacho shot in August’s 2-0 loss at White Hart Lane as evidence that this is not the first time they have been the victim of VAR.
What can you do, he said? However, I’m accustomed to it at this point in the season.
“It was the same at Spurs; Romero clearly handballed.”
Rashford’s celebration, in which he seemed to warn detractors to stop complaining about his lack of goals, infuriated former United captain Roy Keane.
“He’s got no right to be upset, he’s not done the business,” Keane remarked.
In the first half, Rasmus Hojlund entertained Ratcliffe with a show.Spurs rallied at Old Trafford to split the victory.
