Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted that plans for Manchester United's women's team are yet to be confirmed following a turbulent and disappointing league season.
Despite winning their first major silverware, the FA Cup, United endured a difficult season and finished fifth. It was their lowest result since promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL) in 2019.
Ratcliffe praised the women's FA Cup victory (4-0 over Tottenham) but admitted they have not started planning for the women's team, concentrating first on resolving the problems on the men's side.
“We haven't gotten into that level of detail yet with the women's team,” he told Bloomberg. “We've been quite focused on how to solve the first-team problems, and that's been quite a while for the first six months.”
When asked if the plans were to be confirmed, Ratcliffe replied: “Correct.”
United finished the season 20 points behind champions Chelsea and fell out of the title race in February. They began the season with a short Champions League campaign after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the qualifying round.
The lack of direction of the women's team has been a concern for both fans and players. A source told ESPN that players were hesitant to renew or sign new contracts due to a lack of understanding of where the team is headed.
Ratcliffe was absent from the women's team's inaugural top-flight trophy lift at Wembley in May, instead opting to head to Old Trafford to watch the men's team take on Arsenal.
Ratcliffe was in both the semi-final and final of the Men's FA Cup against Manchester City, which they won 2-0. However, Marc Skinner claimed that the team had felt the full support of Ratcliffe and Ineos.
“A historic and proud moment for the team that is testament to their courage, determination and team spirit,” Ratcliffe said in a post shared by Ineos on X. “A wonderful achievement. Many congratulations.”
English goalkeeper Mary Earps, one of United's most outstanding players, ends her contract in a matter of days. The club's management is something that could be hindering her decision.
“The honest reality is that talks are still ongoing,” Earps told Sky Sports News last month. “I have made it clear that I do not want to make an emotional decision. I have asked the club for some confirmation on what they are trying to achieve and when I have those answers I will be able to make a decision. It is up to the club.”
United also run the risk of saying goodbye to numerous players. Sources told ESPN that captain Katie Zelem's future is undecided and she, along with the Earps, are considering a move away from the club.
Meanwhile, Lucía García and Irene Guerrero are strongly linked to moves to Mexico. Nikita Parris turned down a move to NWSL side North Carolina Courage ahead of the FA Cup final but is still expected to leave the club in this window.
