Manchester United supporters found themselves taken aback by the unexpected message that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a prominent figure associated with the club, directed at Luke Shaw in the lead-up to the Euro 2024 final. This surprising communication came at a time when anticipation was at its peak, with England’s men’s team poised to compete for their first major title since their historic World Cup win in 1966.
On that fateful Sunday, the stage was set for a momentous clash as England prepared to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The tournament, held in Germany, had seen Gareth Southgate’s squad experience a series of highs and lows. Despite moments of underperformance throughout the competition, England’s semi-final performance against the Netherlands was particularly commendable. They managed to secure a narrow 2-1 victory, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess that reinvigorated the hopes of fans and pundits alike.
As the final approached, Southgate faced the critical decision of whether to alter his starting eleven. A key point of discussion was the potential inclusion of Luke Shaw as the left wing-back, a position currently held by Kieran Trippier. Shaw, who had been named in the 26-man squad despite being sidelined by injury since February, had missed England’s first four matches of the tournament. Nevertheless, he made impactful appearances off the bench in both the quarter-final and semi-final, replacing Trippier and demonstrating his readiness to contribute to the team’s success.
Conversely, Kieran Trippier, the Newcastle United full-back, had also been contending with an injury but seemed poised to retain his starting position against Spain. In the days leading up to the final in Berlin, the excitement and support for the England team were palpable. BBC Sport created a montage of various celebrities sending their best wishes to Gareth Southgate and his squad. Among these well-wishers was Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman of INEOS, the company that holds a minority ownership stake in Manchester United.
In the video, the 71-year-old Ratcliffe delivered a heartfelt message to the team: “All the very best of luck on Sunday, and I sincerely hope that you are successful.” His words aimed to inspire and motivate the players as they prepared for one of the most significant matches in their careers. However, it was Ratcliffe’s additional comment directed specifically at Luke Shaw that caught everyone by surprise. As the montage concluded, he added a personal note, “Luke, please don’t pull your hamstring again.”
This unexpected remark elicited a strong reaction from fans. On social media platform X, one fan encapsulated the general sentiment by commenting, “This is an all-timer from Sir Jim. Unreal stuff. Can’t lie… every United fan was thinking it.” Another supporter expressed frustration, writing, “Jim Ratcliffe really is embarrassing, isn’t he? One job, mate.” A third fan’s reaction hinted at a shift in allegiance, stating, “This nearly makes me want a Spain win.”
The blend of humor, concern, and controversy surrounding Ratcliffe’s message added an unexpected layer to the pre-match build-up. As fans and players alike braced for the final, Ratcliffe’s words served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where even off-field remarks can spark intense debate and emotion.