Sir Jim Ratcliffe has defended his controversial overhaul of Manchester United, acknowledging that some decisions made him 'very unpopular' but insisting they are now paying off. Since acquiring a stake in the club two years ago, the Ineos founder has overseen major changes including the sacking of managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, with the team now under interim boss Michael Carrick winning four and drawing one.

Ratcliffe compared his approach at Old Trafford to politicians making difficult calls to 'get the big issues sorted out.' He told Sky News: 'If you do difficult things, which we felt that we had to do at Manchester United... you do become very unpopular for a while. Well, I've been very unpopular at Manchester United because we've made lots of changes. But for the better, in my view.' The club has climbed back into Champions League contention under Carrick's temporary management.

On the pitch, striker Benjamin Sesko believes United have the quality to secure a top-four finish after his dramatic 96th-minute equalizer rescued a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Coming on as a substitute, Sesko scored an incredible volley from Bryan Mbeumo's cross, proving United's resilience in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.