Not even the most optimistic Manchester United fan could have imagined a situation where Kylian Mbappe would be rocking up at Old Trafford this summer.. It has been well-documented that he will almost certainly join Real Madrid when he finalises his exit from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season. The Spanish giants have, for quite some time, established themselves as the favourites to secure one of the most coveted signatures in football.. Therefore, it was hardly surprising when Sir Jim Ratcliffe all but quashed any remaining dreams that he would become the poster boy of the Ineos chief’s first transfer window at the helm. The United co-owner does not want to buy United’s way to success, instead planning to take a more sustainable and practical approach.. READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals ambitious plans for a new Old Trafford. READ MORE: Christian Eriksen admits he is ‘unhappy’ with United situation. “What I would rather do is find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune just trying to buy success,” Ratcliffe told the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast. “It’s not that clever, is it, buying Mbappe, in a way?. “Anybody could figure that one out. But what’s much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe, the next [Jude] Bellingham or the next Roy Keane.”. United are a few months out from embarking on one of the most important transfer windows the club has faced in its recent history. As reported by the Manchester Evening News earlier this month, United plan to become more proactive in the seller’s market, so much so sales could reach double figures.. Profitability and sustainability rules are becoming stricter and stricter, meaning United need to do all they can to remain within the boundaries of those rulings. The Reds have developed a habit of stockpiling players in recent years, failing to cash-in at the right time, often letting big-name players leave for free or allowing their fringe players to leave for minimal fees.. As for incomings, United’s hit rate in the market has not been any better. For example, only Lisandro Martinez can be considered a firm success from the £400million-plus that has been spent on players since Erik ten Hag’s arrival in the summer of 2022. Rasmus Hojlund is on the periphery of being considered a successful buy, but it is still too early to issue a firm verdict.. As a result of Ineos’ arrival in M16, which has seen them take control of all football operations, some supporters are dreaming of a transfer window to remember come the summer, featuring big-name signings and a lot of money being spent. But as time has proven in recent years, it is a pointless tactic without a clear plan and strategy behind it. Just ask Chelsea.. Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) and Erik ten Hag (Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images.). Ratcliffe, quite rightly, wants to correct United’s approach, correcting all of the mistakes that have been made over the past decade or so. Furthermore, he has suggested putting the right structure in place off the field first could take priority over recruitment.. Asked if the club would consider a move for Jude Bellingham, Ratcliffe continued: “It’s not where our focus is; the solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players.. “They have done that, if you look at the last 10 years, they have spent a lot of money on a couple of great players. The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes who are managing and organising the club. And make sure that we get recruitment right, it is such a vital part of running a football club today.”. Ratcliffe has already started the process of trying to transform United’s structure and getting their house in order, starting with the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new chief executive. He is also keen for Dan Ashworth to become their inaugural sporting director, while interest is held in Southampton’s football director, Jason Wilcox.. Before committing to loosening the purse strings, Ratcliffe, it seems, is approaching the task of recruitment with a level of sensibility. United, far too often, have been guilty of being erratic in the market, failing to get their money’s worth. He knows that mistake cannot be repeated again.. Ratcliffe will have to invest in the squad to give United a fighting chance of competing with Liverpool and Manchester City, but he has a plan to try and make that happen. His latest comments are further proof that he is what United have been missing.
