14 February 2024 , 21:27
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Manchester United stars were left “really impressed” with Jim Ratcliffe after a private meeting with the squad, Harry Maguire has revealed.
The 71-year-old has already got fully involved at Old Trafford since striking a deal to buy 25 per cent of the club from the Glazers. He is set to have a huge influence on the footballing side of the club.
While a deal has not yet been fully signed off, Ratcliffe has wasted no time in making his presence felt. He has held a meeting with the squad and left a hugely positive impression on Erik ten Hag’s men.
Speaking with Sky Sports, former United captain Maguire said: “I think the lads came out of the meeting [with Ratcliffe] really impressed with how he spoke. [He] gave us great motivation, everyone in the room, to fight for the club and fight for this badge and to stay on this journey.
“It's exciting times for the club because you can see he's brought that fresh energy. We feel now he will take the club in the right direction.”
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Since Ratcliffe’s arrival, the Red Devils’ results have experienced a stark upturn. Man United have won six out of their last eight games - including their last four in succession.
That has forced the side into contention potentially for a Champions League spot come the end of the campaign. Maguire believes that the club’s current upward trajectory will only continue under Ratcliffe.
He added: “I'm sure he's going to have a positive impact on this club. As a player sitting here, I want this club to be successful. I'm sure he's going to play a big part in getting this club back to where it should be.
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“It's been a tough few years because the expectation of this club is to challenge for the biggest trophies and to challenge at the top of the Premier League and we haven't done that often enough in the last 10 years. I'm sure he's got a vision of what he wants for this club and I'm sure he'll move it in the right direction.”
Away from his influence on the pitch, Ratcliffe is still attempting to change things off of it. He has stepped up his search for a director of football over recent days with an approach for Newcastle ’s Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth has reportedly informed the Magpies’ hierarchy that he has been approached but there is still work to be done on a move. The Red Devils need to negotiate a compensation package, which is expected to be costly.
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