Ratcliffe issues tight-lipped response to Man Utd's January plans in first public interview

Cameron Smith

• 14 Jan 2024 15:59 GMT
• 3 min read

New Manchester United minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has addressed the media for the first time since the Red Devils confirmed he would be acquiring 25% of the club.

The INEOS CEO will become the head of all football operations at Old Trafford and will play a key role in determining which players Man Utd sign and sell.

Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford will also be heavily involved in the new era at Man Utd, while Paul Mitchell and Dan Ashworth have been identified as possible new sporting directors.

Ahead of the Red Devils’ home Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Ratcliffe addressed the media for the very first time as Man Utd minority owner.

He said: “Is [the] deal for Man Utd the most exciting thing I've ever done? Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There’s no question about that.”

“January signings? No comment.

"My first impression on Old Trafford and Carrington? Not appropriate to answer that - good question though.”

Ratcliffe’s answer regarding Man Utd’s January transfer plans will resonate with Red Devils fans, all of whom will be hoping for major investment this month.

Who may Man Utd sign in January?

Several top players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this month, including Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.

They were previously in the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner, but opted to withdraw their interest in the ex-Chelsea man. He joined Tottenham Hotspur on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy instead.

Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Stuttgart goal-machine Serhou Guirassy are all wanted by the Red Devils too, although it remains to be seen if Man Utd will be able to afford a pursuit of either player during the January window.