30 January 2024 , 10:58
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Casemiro admits that he has been impressed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the Ineos chief met with several Manchester United players.
The British billionaire, 71, and his team have taken control of sporting operations at Old Trafford while they wait for their £1.25billion agreement for a 25 per cent stake in the club to be formally ratified.
Ineos have already convinced Manchester City 's Omar Berrada to become their new chief executive offer - although he is not expected to officially start his new role until the summer - and further changes are expected in the coming months.
Ratcliffe has also met manager Erik ten Hag and members of the playing squad in recent weeks as the new regime continue to do their due diligence and Casemiro, 31, believes his "winning mentality" is exactly what the club needs to get back on track.
Speaking to CNN, Casemiro said of Ratcliffe: “He’s already introduced himself to us. I think with his winning mentality and his wins in all sports, it’s always very important to have people that want to continue growing.
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“With his experience, he’ll return Manchester United to the highest possible level. We are very hungry to learn, grow and take the club to the highest place.”
While Casemiro may be impressed with Ratcliffe, the prospective Manchester United co-owner is said to have openly criticised the £60million signing of the veteran midfielder during a meeting with club officials last year.
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Ratcliffe has already made changes at Old Trafford (AFP via Getty Images)Undertaking an audit of the club's recruitment strategy is understood to be a key item on Ineos' agenda in a bid to ensure United get more value for money in the transfer market going forward.
Casemiro, who signed a lucrative four-year contract last summer, went on to play down talk that he could leave the club imminently following speculation that United have made tentative attempts to offload him in recent weeks. It was reported back in December that football director John Murtough had been in Saudi Arabia trying to entice offers for several players including the Brazilian veteran.
“I’m very happy at Manchester United,” Casemiro added. “As I’ve always said, the fans have always helped me. The club is always good to me.”
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