SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’s remarkable “reverse jinx” continued – after he chose to watch a vital Nice match rather than new club Manchester United.
United’s new minority owner has yet to see them win in 90 minutes.
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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.
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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.
Given his incredible run of misfortune when attending United games, maybe he should be sent to Coventry rather than turn up for that Wembley showpiece on May 25!
