Ratcliffe is a wonderful first signing, but two things could happen.

It is unclear how much influence Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have over spending big money on transfers, but it is anticipated that the 71-year-old will take the lead in hiring as he is expected to take over as Manchester United’s sporting director.

Even though the Glazers have invested over £400 million since Erik ten Hag’s arrival, it makes no sense to provide a supercar to a group of inexperienced drivers. Ratcliffe’s snooping on a boardroom shake-up makes sense considering the historical transfer failures.

The Ineos boss has built his fortune on being studious but bold and that is the type of mindset United have longed for. In recent years, United have been too happy to pay over the odds for players who go on to underperform, and as a result they limit their future options due to Financial Fair Play.

Rasmus Hojlund may have scored five Champions League goals but is yet to break his Premier League duck with the season now in December. He should and will be afforded time but at 20 years old, he was never the right candidate to lead United in the immediate future.

Forking out £72m may work out in the long run, but it’s clear United also need something more short-term and ready-made. And the brutal truth is that the same can be applied to £85m Antony, United’s second-highest record signing who is yet to register a goal contribution in 18 matches this season.

United chiefs have indicated they will wait until the summer for their next big transfer haul with FFP regulations restricting their freedom in January. United need to bolster several areas and perhaps another striker has slipped down the list given Casemiro’s form and the need for younger centre-backs.

But with Anthony Martial destined for the exit door, the Reds will need reinforcements up top and relying on Marcus Rashford is evidentially not a fruitful ploy. Hojlund should only really be a back-up to a main striker to allow him time to build and nurture his own game.

However, given the other priorities needed, Ten Hag may only have enough funds for a support act for the Dane. That would rule out a move for the ideal Ollie Watkins.

The Aston Villa attacker has been in the best form of his career under Unai Emery with 14 goals in 24 matches. He is emerging as an attractive prospect and one United should be looking at – a ready-made star who is a natural finisher.

In reality, the only way a chase would be sanctioned is if there are enough funds. That would mean big summer sales for the likes of Jadon Sancho and other unwanted players. Given United’s traditional inability to reap healthy fees for sales, that seems unlikely, especially when other areas need strengthening.

But firstly, United need to somehow grab a Champions League spot. Villa at this stage are odds on to finish above United and potentially get a top-four spot themselves. If the Reds do not get a Champions League spot, they can forget about a pursuit.

They may not even consider one anyway. United’s poor transfer planning means they will have to make do in some areas they ideally need to strengthen.

Ratcliffe’s delayed arrival means his first transfer window will be the summer and perhaps he would not have had much say in January anyway. Watkins right now looks like a fantastic first-statement signing but it is quite clear that other areas will take priority, especially if United fail to grab a top-four spot.

Do you think his signings can project Man utd this season and next as well? 

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