Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has expressed optimism that the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford could signify the start of a new era.
The billionaire finally completed his minority takeover of the club two days ago after a long-drawn-out process that eventually received Premier League approval.
The Football Association still needs to sign off on the final agreement. But Ratcliffe’s arrival has already ushered in an improved atmosphere around the club.
Mourinho praised Ratcliffe in an interview with former United defender Rio Ferdinand, claiming the Red Devils will head in the right direction under the leadership of the INEOS chairman.
“I know (Sir) Jim Ratcliffe well – I know him very, very well,” Mourinho said on Ferdinand’s VIBE with FIVE podcast. “We had good relations from years ago. I have a very good feeling.
“He’s also a sportsman – he loves it which is a very important thing and comes with experience from other experiences from other sports, cycling.
“I have a good feeling that things can go in the right direction, and I hope so. I really hope so.”
Mourinho, who guided United to the League Cup and Europa League during a relatively successful two-and-a-half-year stint at Old Trafford, also praised former executives Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold.
However, he admitted they both lacked football experience, and the structure of the club was broken during his spell.
Ratcliffe has wasted no time shaking things up at United, with the English billionaire determined to revamp a massively underwhelming recruitment team.
A sporting director is expected to come in with United locked in transfer negotiations with Newcastle United as they look to poach the highly respected Dan Ashworth.
The Red Devils have also expressed an interest in Southampton’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who previously spent nine years with local neighbours Manchester City.
