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Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'questioned Manchester United's signing of Casemiro'

Ratcliffe 'questioned Man United's signing of Casemiro'
© Reuters
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned Manchester United's signing of Casemiro when he visited the club in March, according to a report.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly questioned Manchester United's signing of Casemiro in the summer of 2022 when he made his visit to the club in March.

The Red Devils spent much of Erik ten Hag's first transfer window at the helm chasing Frenkie de Jong, but the Netherlands international consistently made it clear that he wanted to stay at Barcelona.

Man United then switched their attention to Casemiro, signing the Brazil international in a deal worth up to £70m, and he penned a four-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a fifth.

The 31-year-old excelled during his first season at the club, scoring seven goals in 51 appearances in all competitions, playing a key role in the team securing third spot in the Premier League table.

Casemiro has four goals and one assist in 11 appearances this term, but his performances from a defensive point of view have been criticised.

Manchester United's Casemiro celebrates scoring their second goal on September 26, 2023© Reuters

The midfielder was substituted during the interval of the team's last game against Brentford, while he was sent off against Galatasaray in the Champions League earlier this month.

According to The Guardian, when Ratcliffe met with Man United in March, he questioned the club's transfer policy in recent years and used Casemiro's arrival as an example.

The club's chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are both said to have been in attendance at the Carrington training base during the presentation in question.

Ratcliffe is preparing to purchase 25% of the club, having reached a breakthrough over the weekend, and he is expected to have control over the football department when he arrives.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023© Reuters

The futures of Arnold and Murtough are both under threat, with the British billionaire expected to want to bring in his own choices in the two hugely important positions.

Ratcliffe is expected to pay around £1.5m for 25% of the club, but it is understood that he will have to wait before clinching a deal.

There had been suggestions that the Man United board would ratify the deal on Thursday, but there are still believed to be a number of details that need to be addressed.

Casemiro handed the Red Devils a fitness concern when he was substituted during Brazil's clash with Venezuela last week due to an ankle injury.

However, the experienced midfielder was able to play the full 90 minutes of Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday night, suggesting that he will be fit for Saturday's game with Sheffield United.

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on September 26, 2023
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