Sir Jim Ratcliffe names his favourite ever Man United player

Sir Jim Ratcliffe named a legend when asked to pick his favourite ever Manchester United player.

Ratcliffe spoke to reporters at Man United's press room ahead of their Premier League showdown against Tottenham on Sunday.

He expects his proposed 25 per cent purchase of the club to be ratified by the league's authorities next month.

The Ineos owner said his minority stake of Man United is the most exciting deal he has done in his business career.

Asked if the deal was the most exciting he had done, the 71-year-old replied via Manchester Evening News: "Correct. Yes."

He added: "I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There's no question about that. I am very excited to be here."

Boyhood Man United fan Ratcliffe was also pressed on his favourite Man United player.

He listed Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes before settling: "Eric [Cantona], probably."

Cantona joined Man United from Leeds United in 1992 and enjoyed five legendary seasons at Old Trafford.

He scored an impressive 82 goals in 185 appearances, winning the hearts of fans after guiding the Red Devils to four Premier League triumphs, not to mention two FA Cups.

Ratcliffe's choice of Cantona proved to be a popular pick among Man United fans on social media.

Eric Cantona in action for Manchester United back in 1997. Image: Getty

The businessman confirmed he has met with Erik ten Hag and said the regulatory process mean he was unable to go into detail about his plans for Man United.

"I have met Erik but it would be inappropriate until it is all formalised," he said, before joking: "We hope they don't find anything dodgy in our CV."

His appearance at Old Trafford for Man United vs. Spurs marks his first game since his proposed purchase as he revealed he won't be able to come all the time.

"I can’t come all the time because I have some other things," he added." But I will come."