Manchester United’s owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe amazed by ONE United player’s performance yesterday, blocks his pending transfer.
In a remarkable and unexpected twist, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a decisive move to halt the transfer of a player who, just months ago, was on the verge of being released for free. Ratcliffe’s admiration for the player’s performance in United’s recent Europa League clash has prompted a complete shift in perspective, with the businessman declaring the player “our best at the moment” and insisting he’s now a key part of the squad’s future. Although the club hasn’t officially named the player, strong indications suggest it’s Scott McTominay, whose stunning performance against Athletic Bilbao may have saved his Old Trafford career.
Back in January 2025, McTominay was considered surplus to requirements, with Premier League rivals and overseas clubs lining up to secure his signature. United were reportedly open to letting him go at a minimal cost as his role in the squad continued to shrink. But fast forward a few months, and everything has changed. The Scottish midfielder came off the bench in the Europa League quarterfinal and put on a show that flipped the narrative. His drive, commanding presence in midfield, and two goal contributions—including a thunderous strike and a crucial assist—lifted United when they were trailing. He capped off the night with a last-minute clearance that kept the Spanish side from scoring a damaging away goal.
Ratcliffe, clearly moved by what he witnessed, told reporters that McTominay’s value had been severely underestimated and that the player delivered something unmatched this season. His comments reflected a major shift in how the new regime is handling player decisions. Under the leadership of INEOS, which took control of football operations last year, the focus had been on data, efficiency, and squad overhaul. McTominay initially didn’t align with this calculated model, seen as lacking flair and consistency. But his recent displays have thrown that perception into doubt, with Ratcliffe now publicly recognizing the midfielder’s crucial impact.
The sudden reversal also sends a clear message to the rest of the squad—form and determination matter more than past assessments. INEOS Sporting Director Sir Dave Brailsford emphasized that United is evolving into a meritocracy, rewarding players who rise to the occasion when it counts. Within the club, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Teammates reportedly swarmed McTominay in the dressing room after the match, celebrating what many are calling a career-defining night. Fans joined in too, flooding social media with support and rallying behind the player they once thought was heading out the door.
With the transfer now blocked and his value rising, contract renewal talks that were previously shelved are expected to resume. The midfielder’s future at the club looks increasingly secure, especially as veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen are rumored to be on their way out. There’s even speculation that McTominay could be given a bigger leadership role, symbolizing a shift in Manchester United’s identity under the new regime—where fight, form, and resilience are once again at the heart of the club’s ambitions.
This remarkable transformation from fringe player to key figure is a testament to how quickly fortunes can change in football. McTominay’s resurgence is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a statement of intent from a club redefining its standards. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bold intervention may mark the beginning of a new chapter at United—one where overlooked players can rise again, and loyalty, grit, and timing can completely rewrite the future.
