Kelly Simmons, the former director of the women’s professional game in England, has attacked Sir Jim Ratcliffe over his remarks about Manchester United’s women’s team, arguing they are “sending a signal … about what he thinks about women, not just the women’s game”.
Simmons, one of the most respected voices in women’s football, made the criticisms as she outlined what she saw as a general reluctance within established clubs to invest in the women’s game. Ratcliffe has previously said he saw United’s men’s team as “the main issue” and “what moves the needle” at the club. He was not at Wembley when Manchester United lost to Chelsea in the Women’s FA Cup final two weeks ago, nor when they won last year’s final against Tottenham.
