Why Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has “warmed up” to Jason Wilcox in particular | OneFootball

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to be an avid admirer of the club’s new director of football Jason Wilcox, with the pair enjoying a special rapport.

Wilcox joined United from Southampton in 2024 as their new technical director. He arrived shortly after Ratcliffe completed his minority investment to become co-owner alongside the Glazers.

Recently, Wilcox was promoted to the role of director of football, officially taking over from Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth shockingly parted ways with the Red Devils in December, vacating his position as the side’s maiden sporting director. He was let go immediately after United’s 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

It later emerged that Ashworth didn’t see eye-to-eye with other members of United’s hierarchy, including Ratcliffe himself. The pair disagreed over a number of issues including whether or not to sack Erik ten Hag, the choice of candidates to replace the Dutchman and the club’s approach in the market.

However, there haven’t been any such problems with Wilcox, whom Ratcliffe has consistently praised in the media.

According to The Athletic, Ratcliffe holds Wilcox’s input in high regard – a sentiment the INEOS billionaire has openly expressed in the past.

The newspaper reveals, “Wilcox has also developed a firm rapport with his boss. Ratcliffe, United’s minority owner who has taken a keen interest in the day-to-day running of the club, has warmed to the 53-year-old’s ebullient personality.”

“The pair often sit together at matches, where the tone of their conversation can be more bootroom than boardroom, which comes as a refreshing change for the petrochemicals billionaire.”

“By contrast, Ratcliffe had some tense interactions with Ashworth, whose personality is more measured.”

Txiki Begiristain is understood to have considered Wilcox as having the “best eyes” at Manchester City.

The Athletic note that Wilcox has earned a similar reputation at United, which has led to him being entrusted with significantly greater responsibilities.

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