SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’s remarkable “curse” continued – after he chose to watch a vital Nice match rather than new club Manchester United.
United’s unlucky new minority owner has yet to see them win in 90 minutes, prompting fears he may be a jinx.
And while Erik ten Hag’s men were beating Newcastle 3-2 at Old Trafford, Nice’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League ended with a 2-1 home loss to Ligue 1 champions PSG.
Ineos supremo Ratcliffe is expected to launch a huge summer shake-up at United – on and off the pitch.
But if his dire record watching the Red Devils in person goes on much longer, he might have to make a tactical decision about his own presence!
Ratcliffe saw much-changed PSG pounce twice midway in the first half at Ineos-owned Nice.
In the absence of outgoing legend Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola hit the opener and supplied the second for Yora Zague.
Mohamed-Ali Cho cut the deficit to 2-1 before the break.
But although Nice pressed for a leveller, their hopes of a point faded and died after Melvin Bard saw red on 75 minutes.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund was ending his 10-game drought to strike late in United’s absorbing victory over Newcastle.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
It means the Red Devils can finish no lower than eighth – and could nick seventh spot, as well as a place in the Europa Conference League, ahead of the Toon.
Ratcliffe was at Old Trafford for last Sunday’s much-criticised 1-0 defeat by Arsenal.
He reportedly arrived five hours before kick-off – which is about the length of time it might have taken United to score, so tame was their display.
It’s understood the 71-year-old was keen to see United’s match-day operations, with an eye on planned improvements.
But perhaps most of the changes needed were out on the pitch – although such a plight is something Ratcliffe might be getting used to.
Having first watched United in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham back in January, he’s still waiting for a “normal” victory.
The closest he came was the 3-3 FA Cup semi-final stalemate with Coventry – where United led 3-0 until the final 19 minutes.
The Red Devils then squeezed into the final against Manchester City with a 4-2 shootout win.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd's squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
Victor Lindelof – GO: Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season.
