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.