Of the many soundbites that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has offered up publicly since his stake in Manchester United was confirmed earlier this year, claims of seeking to acquire the next Kylian Mbappe are certainly up there with the most interesting.
19.03.2024 - 14:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suggested what type of player he'd like to sign first at Manchester United. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with numerous big names recently as the British billionaire looks to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Upon acquiring a stake in the Red Devils in December, Ratcliffe vowed to take his boyhood club back to the 'the very top of English, European and world football'. The Ineos chairman has already made great progress on his mission to rebuild United, forking out millions to give the boardroom a new look.
The likes of Sir David Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc and Omar Berrada – among others too – have been brought in by Ratcliffe. Despite a fast start at Old Trafford, the 71-year-old has shown no sign of slowing down with the summer transfer window just around the corner.
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Speaking to Geraint Thomas on his 'Cycling Club' podcast, Ratcliffe named the one former Manchester United player, in their prime, he would bring into the current team. Without hesitation, he said: "Paul Scholes I'd bring in.
"That's the player that is most missing. They are not Roy Keane but they have Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, they are more defensive. They don't have a Scholes, an [Andres] Iniesta."
Ratcliffe's comment suggests that the Red Devils have a specific profile in mind which they're looking to target in the summer transfer window. While United supporters will be delighted to hear the club are looking for a 'new Scholes' or the 'next Iniesta', the Brit has downplayed heavy spending.
On Jude Bellingham, Ratcliffe
Of the many soundbites that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has offered up publicly since his stake in Manchester United was confirmed earlier this year, claims of seeking to acquire the next Kylian Mbappe are certainly up there with the most interesting.
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