Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now personally stepped in to prevent Manchester United from making a move for Robert Lewandowski, despite Ruben Amorim being very keen on signing the striker.
Ratcliffe has been unwavering in his support of Amorim during the manager’s first year in the job, recently making it clear he has no plans to part ways with the 40-year-old anytime soon, stating he has three years to prove himself.
The INEOS chairman has also opened up on his personal relationship with the former Sporting CP boss, saying earlier this year: “I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben. I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*ck off. I like him.”
So far, there can be no doubting that the 73-year-old has backed his manager in the transfer market, with the Red Devils investing heavily in the summer, bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to upgrade the forward line.
Sesko hasn’t made a flying start to life in the Premier League, with Peter Schmeichel claiming he was an unnecessary signing, but the centre-forward may take some time to adjust, given that he is still only 22-years-old.
Ratcliffe blocks Man Utd move for Lewandowski
According to a report from Spain, Amorim is very keen on signing Lewandowski, who is available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his FC Barcelona contract next summer, but Ratcliffe has stepped in to block the move.
United are set to prioritize the signing of younger players, meaning the 37-year-old doesn’t fit the bill, despite still being regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the world.
The Poland international’s wages are also considered an issue, given that he rakes in roughly £352k-a-week at Camp Nou, which makes him the highest paid player in the squad.
Lauded as a “world-class” striker by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star is undoubtedly still a top-level striker, despite his age, having maintained a fantastic goalscoring record since signing for the La Liga side.
That said, it is understandable that Ratcliffe isn’t keen on a move, given that the Pole would likely demand huge wages, while the veteran’s arrival could also hamper Sesko’s development, given that he would be competing with the Slovenian for a starting spot.
It is well-documented that Ratcliffe has been trying to make Man United more sustainable since his arrival, with lowering the wage bill of key significance.
As such, despite Lewandowski establishing himself as a top striker, it would probably be a wise idea for United to avoid signing him next summer.
Robert Lewandowski has been named one of the world’s best strikers
Leave a Reply