We want to bring United to the level of Real Madrid, but it takes time

Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, admitted this Thursday that he plans to bring the English giant to the same level as the current European and Spanish champion, Real Madrid, but warned that it will take time to achieve this goal.

In an interview with Bloomberg, the CEO of INEOS stated that it will take "two or three transfer windows" to get the club "to a better place."

"There is room for improvement in everything at Manchester United, and we will improve everything. We want to be where Real Madrid is today, but that will take time. I'm not confident that we will solve all the problems in the first transfer window. Manchester United doesn't have any player valued at 100 million euros or more," he noted, also considering that buying a big star "will not solve the club's problem."

Ratcliffe also lamented that the appointments of sporting director Dan Ashworth from Newcastle and CEO Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City have not yet been finalized, which is delaying his plans to invest in the team. "We are somewhat handicapped in that regard, but I think we will do a good job," he commented.

The billionaire's comments come amid growing pressure from fans and analysts who are eager to see significant improvements at the club. United, once a dominant force in English and European football, has struggled in recent years to reclaim its former glory. Ratcliffe's vision includes a comprehensive overhaul of the team's infrastructure, talent acquisition, and overall strategy.

Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation for long-term success rather than seeking quick fixes. This approach includes investing in the club's youth academy, enhancing scouting networks, and developing a cohesive playing philosophy that aligns with the club's storied traditions.

"We need to focus on sustainable growth," Ratcliffe said. "Quick fixes might offer immediate results, but they are not conducive to building a team that can compete consistently at the highest level. Our goal is to create a balanced and dynamic squad that can challenge for top honors year after year."

Furthermore, Ratcliffe acknowledged the challenges posed by the competitive nature of the Premier League and the financial muscle of rival clubs. He stressed the need for strategic planning and prudent investments to ensure United can compete effectively both domestically and in Europe.

The club's fans have reacted with cautious optimism to Ratcliffe's statements, recognizing the need for patience but hopeful for a brighter future. The forthcoming transfer windows will be crucial in determining how quickly and effectively Ratcliffe's vision can be realized.

As United gears up for the next season, the focus will be on identifying and securing key targets that align with the club's long-term objectives. The management team's ability to navigate the complexities of the transfer market and secure top talent will be instrumental in steering the club back to the pinnacle of European football.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Arsenal announce Danish midfielder as new signing

Arsenal have signed Danish international Christian Nørgaard from Brentford. The experienced midfielder joins after six Premier League seasons, bringing leadership and tactical intelligence to Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

AS Monaco unveil Fati and Pogba: no revenge, but big dreams ahead

AS Monaco unveiled two remarkable signings on Thursday: Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba. Two players with scars, who now hope to shine once again in the principality as they once did.

Modric to leave Real Madrid after Club World Cup: 'I leave with a full heart'

Luka Modric confirms his departure from Real Madrid after 13 legendary seasons. The 39-year-old midfield icon will bid farewell at the Bernabéu before finishing his career with the Club World Cup. A tribute to one of the game's all-time greats.

Arteta doesn’t have Dembélé he doesn’t even have Gabriel Jesus

The English newspapers watched as Paris Saint-Germain knocked Arsenal, the last remaining English team, out of the Champions League. It has led to critical scrutiny of Arsenal and coach Mikel Arteta. The two-legged tie against the French side ultimately turned out to be one final disappointment.

Conceição on Milan's resounding derby win: 'Above all, my wife is happy'

AC Milan have actually achieved very little in Serie A this season. Yet, the Rossoneri could still end the season with two major trophies. On Wednesday, the team led by the upbeat coach Sérgio Conceição demolished city rivals Internazionale.

Kenyan Football Federation opens investigation over suspected match-fixing

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has decided to open an investigation into suspected match-fixing involving its national team, specifically in the match against Cameroon during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Al Hilal makes an offer for Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, 33-year-old Dutch center-back, is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool and has received a €20 million net salary offer from Al Hilal.

European champion Álvaro Negredo retires at the age of 39

The striker, who was playing for Valladolid, had not featured since last season. Throughout his career, he played for clubs such as Manchester City and Besiktas.

José Mourinho suspended for four games after controversy with Galatasaray

José Mourinho has been handed a four-match suspension following a controversy after the Istanbul derby, where he was accused of racism by Galatasaray.

Arsenal is warned after PSV's brilliant victory over Juventus

The Champions League draw has also been closely followed by the media in England. Arsenal has been paired with PSV. While The Gunners are considered favorites, the club must be cautious not to underestimate the reigning Dutch champions.

Top Countries

Around the web

FIFA sets aside 300 million euros for clubs of World Cup players

FIFA will allocate 300 million euros to clubs supplying players for the 2026 World Cup, including those involved in qualifiers. The expanded Club Benefits Programme nearly doubles the payout from Qatar 2022 and aims to strengthen ties with clubs globally.

Shaky defense: Sommer looks flat, Akanji loses focus. Inter, so many gaps

Inter’s back line was supposed to be rejuvenated, but that hasn’t happened. And the Swiss goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in only one match.

Chelsea take advantage of UEFA’s new rule and make a change to their Champions League squad

Chelsea register Facundo Buonanotte for the Champions League, taking advantage of UEFA’s new injury-replacement rule after Dário Essugo’s thigh surgery. The Argentine talent joins the squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Bayern Munich.

Chairman of Bayer Leverkusen calls the appointment of Ten Hag a mistake

Fernando Carro has given more explanation about the lightning dismissal of Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen. The chairman of Die Werkself admitted that he made a mistake in the hiring process.

Borussia parts ways with Seoane

On Sunday evening, Roland Virkus asked for a night to think it over. Now the Gladbach leadership team, led by the sporting director, has made a decision: Gerardo Seoane is no longer Borussia’s coach.

Arda Güler’s leap: from the frustrating number 142 to untouchable under Xabi

At just twenty, Arda Güler returns to the Champions League as a starter for Real Madrid. From frustration and waiting on the sidelines to Xabi Alonso’s trust and a budding partnership with Mbappé, the Turkish midfielder has become a source of pride for his country and a new creative force for Madrid’s European ambitions.

Back pain, Lautaro skips training session and is doubtful for the Ajax match

Inter face Ajax in their Champions League opener with doubts over Lautaro Martínez, who skipped training due to back pain but still traveled with the squad. Darmian is ruled out, while Chivu weighs tactical changes and the possibility of starting Bonny or Pio Esposito alongside Thuram.

'Street-smart' Vázquez: A fine contrast to Frimpong

Compared to his predecessor Jeremie Frimpong, he offers a clear contrast. In his debut for Bayer, Lucas Vázquez played less spectacularly but no less effectively – and is expected to pass on his experience to his teammates.

Two squad surprises at Juve – Will Openda annoy Dortmund again?

A Juventus duo has surprisingly made it into the squad for today’s home game against Dortmund. Meanwhile, new signing Lois Openda is eyeing a debut.

FIFA does not understand the presence of a coach on the refereeing appointment committee

FIFA is closely monitoring reforms in Spain’s refereeing system. While it welcomed transparency measures, it strongly questioned LaLiga’s appointment of coach Gregorio Manzano to the referee designation committee, breaking with the tradition of using only former referees.