Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already proved he can solve Manchester United's biggest problem

A table-topping team, an impressive young manager, a watertight defence and a recruitment policy paying dividends.

It might sound a bit like Manchester United's Christmas wishlist but it represents the start to the season French club Nice have enjoyed. Owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to complete a 25 per cent stake at Old Trafford amid reports he is prepared to plough in nearly £250million of his own money to help the Reds, Nice have stormed to the top of the Ligue 1 table and remain unbeaten.

And for all that on-pitch success, which includes a win over PSG, it is off the field where things have come together. Whereas United have largely flittered away billions of pounds in the transfer market in recent years, Nice have spent wisely and within budget. They have built a squad rather than a squad of individuals.

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It might be worth nearly 10 times less than United's, according to Transfermarkt, but it is earning its keep on the pitch. Nice's record signing is Terem Moffi, who arrived in the summer for around £20million and is the leading scorer this season.

Ratcliffe has backed Nice for four years but has always operated with a sensible and strategic approach. It hasn't been open season with the chequebook and the club now looks to be on sound footing.

They missed out on Europe this season but could well end up in the Champions League next term, with United potentially looking on from the outside. If and when Ratcliffe's United role is completed and confirmed, his work at Nice proves he has the capabilities to rectify United's recruitment woes and help the Reds operate smartly in the transfer market.

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