Man Utd was 'like the civil service'! Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover has brought 'energy' to Old Trafford but one recent signing bemoans 'lack of strong characters' in squad

The INEOS billionaire completed a £1.25 billion partial takeover of the Red Devils in December, before the deal was ratified late last month, and according to the Independent, that led to extra 'energy' in January - which translated into four straight Premier League wins. However, the report adds that an unnamed, new United recruit was struck by the 'lack of strong characters' in the group and another team-mate was conscious that just three players were vocal at training.

Ratcliffe has previously spoken about toppling Manchester City and Liverpool from their perch in English football and is making the right noises for a club trying to go in the right direction. However, he has been critical of United's transfer policy in recent years and there is a long way to go to achieve those goals, with the atmosphere before his arrival described as 'like the civil service', perhaps implying inefficiency and bureaucracy at the club. Ratcliffe will want to make changes and as the article points out, his entourage admire former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, perhaps making Erik ten Hag's Old Trafford future less secure.

Ratcliffe has been busy since becoming part of the furniture at United, after swiftly appointing Omar Berrada as chief executive from Manchester City. Steps are now being taken to recruit Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth to become their technical director.

Ten Hag's United, who lost 2-1 at home to Fulham at Old Trafford last weekend to end their winning streak, travel to rivals and Premier League defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.