Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted that plans for Manchester United's women's team are still to be confirmed, with the men's first team consuming focus instead.
Manchester United Women claimed their first major piece of silverware in the Women's FA Cup, defeating Tottenham 4-0 in the final. But the achievement papered over cracks following a turbulent league season, in which the Red Devils slumped to their worst-ever finish in the WSL -- fifth -- since winning promotion in 2019.
United finished runners-up behind Chelsea in the season prior and the stark drop-off in form comes in the wake of concerns over manager Marc Skinner's faculty as well as contract uncertainty for key players such as goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Ratcliffe hailed the FA Cup victory - despite missing the Wembley final to be at Old Trafford to watch the men’s team play against Arsenal much to the chagrin of fans.
And Ratcliffe admitted that his INEOS team, after pledging to lift the standard and investment for the women's side, have not begun planning for the women's team, focusing on solving the issues ensconcing the men's side first.
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"We haven't got into that level of detail with the women's team yet," the 71-year-old told Bloomberg. "We've been pretty much focused on how we resolve the first team issues, and that's been pretty full-time for the first six months." When asked if plans for the women's side were to be confirmed, Ratcliffe replied: "Correct."
United finished 20 points behind WSL champions Chelsea and were out of the title race by February. Meanwhile, a first-ever jaunt in the Women's Champions League was short-lived with United knocked out in the second qualifying round by Paris Saint-Germain.
Mary Earps' future at Manchester United looks uncertain (2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)Players are reportedly concerned by the state of play of the women's team this summer, with many reportedly uncertain about signing new deals due to a perceived lack of direction under the new minority ownership.
Such uncertainty arrives only a year after Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle departed the club upon the expiry of their contracts. Russo noted that the protracted nature of contract negotiations played a part.
Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps could follow Russo and Batlle, representing a major blow to United. Earps, who sustained a hip injury while on England duty earlier this month, is out of contract in a matter of days. And the 31-year-old said in May that she was awaiting assurances from the club before making a decision.
"The honest reality is that conversations are still ongoing," Earps told Sky Sports News last month. "I've been clear I don't want to make an emotional decision. I've asked the club for some confirmation on what they're trying to achieve and when I have those answers I'll be able to make a decision. It's up to the club." Other players at risk of departing include Katie Zelem, Lucia Garcia and Irene Guerrero.
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