Sir Jim Ratcliffe has perfect first Manchester United signing - but it could depend on two things

How much sway Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have when it comes to splashing the transfer cash is unknown but with the 71-year-old due to take over sporting control of Manchester United, it is hoped he will take the lead in recruitment.

The Glazers have spent more than £400m since Erik ten Hag’s arrival but there’s no point giving a supercar to a group of people who don’t know how to drive. It is no wonder Ratcliffe is spying a boardroom shake-up given the historic transfer errors.

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.

READ MORE: Why United cannot wait for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell players

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho is right and United might listen to him this time

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