REASON REVEALED: Why Sir Jim Ratcliffe Took Man Utd Chiefs on Icelandic Fishing Trip — But Left Out Ruben Amorim Ahead of Leeds Clash

As Manchester United prepare for a new era both on and off the pitch, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is continuing to put his unique stamp on the club’s leadership culture.

In what may seem like an unusual move to some, Ratcliffe recently hosted two of United’s most senior figures – chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox – on a two-day fishing retreat in Iceland. The trip, held far from the traditional boardroom, was not just about casting lines into scenic rivers. It was about deep discussions, long-term planning, and strategic bonding as the Red Devils move into a decisive summer.

But while the peaceful Icelandic landscape welcomed the club’s top decision-makers, new head coach Ruben Amorim was noticeably left out. According to The Athletic, Amorim was initially considered for the trip but was ultimately asked to remain in Manchester to oversee final preparations for United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm.

Why Amorim Was Left Behind

Some fans were surprised to hear that Amorim was excluded from what appeared to be an important leadership meeting. But Ratcliffe’s reasoning seems clear. With United’s first pre-season fixture fast approaching, the INEOS boss felt Amorim’s presence was more urgently needed at Carrington, where he was tasked with fine-tuning the squad’s fitness and tactics before they fly to Sweden.

In many ways, this decision highlights the separation of responsibilities now forming at United under INEOS leadership. While Berrada and Wilcox work closely with Ratcliffe on transfer strategy, budgets, and long-term football operations, Amorim has been handed full control of day-to-day team affairs and match preparations.

It also shows trust. Asking Amorim to stay behind wasn’t necessarily a snub—it was a sign that United’s new coach is already being treated as the man responsible for what happens on the pitch, while the top brass focus on bigger-picture planning.

Ratcliffe’s Love for the Wild

For Ratcliffe, this wasn’t just about strategy—it was also about setting a new tone. The billionaire businessman, known for his unconventional leadership style, is a big fan of outdoor retreats and alternative meeting spaces. During his time leading INEOS, he has held executive meetings at ski lodges and remote locations around Europe.

The Iceland trip, which included fishing as well as strategic conversations, reflects this mindset. It’s all part of what Ratcliffe believes helps unlock creative thinking and clearer communication.

He’s also personally invested in the region. Ratcliffe is a passionate fly fisherman and has even backed Iceland’s Six Rivers Project – a conservation effort aimed at protecting the country’s endangered salmon population. That connection made Iceland the perfect location for this kind of executive bonding experience.

Berrada and Wilcox in the Spotlight

For Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, the retreat came at a pivotal time. Berrada, poached from Manchester City, is taking his first major steps in shaping United’s executive operations, while Wilcox, a key figure in talent identification and transfers, is expected to play a vital role in rebuilding the squad.

This summer window is already shaping up to be a busy one, with the Red Devils linked with several major targets, including a potential goalkeeper shake-up and further reinforcements in midfield and defence. The Icelandic meetings likely included deep conversations around budget allocation, scouting, and long-term squad development.

By spending quality time with Ratcliffe in a less formal environment, both men had the chance to align their vision with the club’s new ownership structure and cement the trust and understanding needed for a successful rebuild.

United’s New Era

All eyes will now shift to Saturday, when Manchester United face Leeds United in Stockholm. It will be fans’ first glimpse of how Amorim’s training sessions have shaped the squad in such a short time. The match may be a friendly, but it carries weight—this is the beginning of a new chapter.

Meanwhile, Berrada and Wilcox are expected to rejoin the squad in Sweden after their Icelandic detour, bringing with them the insights and plans formed during what was no doubt a productive—and unusual—trip.

For Ratcliffe, it’s another sign that Manchester United won’t be doing things the “traditional” way anymore. Whether it’s fly fishing in Iceland or skiing in the Alps, the INEOS way is clearly focused on bold ideas, fresh thinking, and building a culture that extends far beyond the pitch.

And with Amorim trusted to lead from the training ground, and key decision-makers aligned with ownership, the signs of a more structured, modern Manchester United are beginning to emerge—starting from the rivers of Iceland all the way to the grass of Old Trafford.