Statement signings Sir Jim Ratcliffe could revisit at Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may wish to take a peek through the summer archives when planning a statement arrival at Manchester United.

The Ineos billionaire has agreed to purchase a 25 per cent stake at Old Trafford and is now waiting for the deal to be approved. The fact the Glazers are relinquishing sporting control of the club means the transfer window will likely be Ratcliffe’s first test in the boardroom.

A prudent approach is rarely adopted in January, with clubs tending to patch up their squads for the remainder of the campaign. But Ratcliffe and co will be aiming to break the mould as they attempt to lay the foundations for a new era at United.

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Erik ten Hag is unlikely to pass up an opportunity to bolster his squad, with areas to improve upon already obvious to many supporters. There were many high-profile names United were linked with throughout the summer who could find themselves back on the club’s radar.

MEN Sport has profiled two targets Ratcliffe could revisit to kick-start his United rebuild…

If Tapsoba was worth £40million in the summer, Old Trafford chiefs may get a shock when they discover how much the centre-back is worth now.

The 24-year-old has been instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible start to the campaign. Xabi Alonso’s side are top of the Bundesliga.

Tapsoba claimed he was “happy” to be linked with Premier League clubs in the summer but remained committed to Leverkusen. Injuries have exposed United’s lack of defensive depth this term.

Manchester City have six world-class players all capable of playing centre-back. United can only dream