‘Catalyst for change’… Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he loved Man Utd legend, one current player has been hailed as his replacement

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Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed he wants to see entertainers at the club as well as winners.

Winning football matches and ultimately trophies is the goal for Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United, once Ineos are done with their behind the scenes restructure.

Ratcliffe has been doing a round of interviews after his investment in Manchester United was confirmed, in which he talked about his hopes for future success, and a potential new stadium.

Winning on the pitch is a big priority for the owner, and most of all, he wants the team to do it in style.

• READ MORE: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Net Worth, Businesses, Man Utd deal

Sir Jim Ratcliffe describes the football he loves to watch

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says this is his passion project, an investment he is making because he wants Manchester United to win, not to make a profit. He insists he is supporter of the club first and foremost, and has enjoyed the great footballers who have worn the shirt.

Ratcliffe says there was one player who stood out for him, and for everybody else who watched him in the mid-90s, Eric Cantona, who helped speed along Sir Alex Ferguson‘s success.

Discussing the club legend, Ratcliffe told The Athletic: “He was a maverick, obviously. He was the catalyst for change in Ferguson’s era… and that kickstarted everything off. He was a talisman.

“There has always been a bit of glamour attached to Manchester United which has been lacking a bit in the last few years. You’ve had George Best, Bobby Charlton, Eric the King. At the end of the day, we are in the entertainment business.

“You don’t want to watch bland football or characterless football. And to be honest, since Christmas, with the young lads, they have played some fantastic football. There have been some great matches.”

Manchester United’s young entertainers

Manchester United’s turnaround in form has coincided with a return to form since Ineos’ investment was announced just before Christmas.

This has been led by young stars Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.

Garnacho, in particular, plays with a swagger with saw many fans demanding he was given the number seven shirt last summer, before it was given to new signing Mason Mount.

Last year Spanish newspaper Marca even compared Garnacho’s ‘spirit’ to Cantona, suggesting the club have found his successor. Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be hoping he’s right.

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