Sir Jim Ratcliffe snubs Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the ex-Man Utd player he'd most want in current squad
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed the ex-Manchester United player he'd love to have in the current squad - snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.
INEOS founder Ratcliffe completed his purchase of a 28 per cent stake in United last year and will assume control of all footballing operations.
The 71-year-old wants to re-establish the Red Devils as one of world football's top clubs.
United's last Premier League title came in 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
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Sir David Brailsford is currently leading an audit of the club, with every department under scrutiny.
Included in that is the playing squad. Pressure is on manager Erik ten Hag to qualify for next season's Champions League, with United currently sixth in the table.
Ratcliffe understands the Dutch coach hasn't got the strongest squad to work with.
Long-term injuries have plagued United this season, with star midfield signing Mason Mount making his first appearance since November from the bench in Sunday's 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool.
Sofyan Amrabat has struggled since making a deadline-day loan move from Serie A side Fiorentina, while Christian Eriksen has seen his game time decrease since returning from an ankle injury last year.
Speaking to the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club, Ratcliffe discussed United's midfield and said he'd love to see a prime Paul Scholes strut his stuff alongside Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.
When asked who he'd like to see back at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe replied: "Paul Scholes. I think that's the player that's most missing. Casemiro and Mainoo are sort of quite defensive midfielders, but they don't have a Scholes or an Iniesta."
Scholes spent his entire professional career at United and won 11 Premier League titles.
He played over 700 times for United across two stints, initially retiring in 2011 before returning a year later.
Ratcliffe opted not to suggest Ronaldo, who left the club in November 2022 for a second time.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is currently playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Daniel Marland