INEOS Set To Adopt The Real Madrid Transfer Strategy
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says the club must take inspiration from Real Madrid’s approach in the transfer market as he plots to re-establish them as one of the best teams in Europe.
The INEOS founder completed his investment at Old Trafford during the 2023/24 campaign and led a post-season review which eventually confirmed Erik ten Hag’s position as manager following the Red Devils’ FA Cup triumph.
The INEOS founder completed his investment at Old Trafford during the 2023/24 campaign and led a post-season review which eventually confirmed Erik ten Hag’s position as manager following the Red Devils’ FA Cup triumph.
Ratcliffe admitted he is looking to raise standards to the point where they are rubbing shoulders with current European champions Madrid on a regular basis.
Speaking to Bloomberg, he said: “There’s room for improvement everywhere we look at Manchester United, and we will improve everything.”We want to be competing for the Premiership every year and the Champions League every year. That’s where we need to be, where Real Madrid is today, but it’ll take time.
“I think Real Madrid have done a fabulous job. There’s an interesting statistic. If you look at the 10 seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left. Manchester United’s net spend on players is £1.1bn.
United have not been mean with the chequebook. Real Madrid’s over the same time is £200m, which is surprising when you hear that, because today they have a squad where six or seven players are valued at more than €100m and Manchester United don’t have any.
“And Real Madrid have probably built the finest football stadium in the world using the same chequebook.”
Additionally, Real Madrid have strengthened the depth of their squad by adding notable players like Jude Bellingham in 2023 and Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
Apart from that, their players have improved not only the level of the team but also their individual level with success on the pitch and their valuation off the pitch.
That is exactly what Ratcliffe wants at Man United. It sounds easier to do but if he can guide Man United on the same path, he can take the club back to the top of world football again.
