Pep Guardiola believes Sir Jim Ratcliffe will make Red Devils a powerhouse again
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has acquired a 25% share in United through his company, INEOS chemicals, and he will be primarily in charge of the football operations at Old Trafford.
Omar Berrada has chosen to join the Red Devils as their new CEO, leaving City behind. Dan Ashworth of Newcastle is expected to be named the team’s sports director.
Guardiola backed Ryan Ratcliffe to succeed at a press conference held in advance of City’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, saying he is not very concerned about United endangering his team.
Guardiola remarked, “[Being] concerned about United is not the point.” “I’m fairly certain that United will advance with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the other players.
“I think they know exactly what has to be done; using their business world knowledge, they know who to appoint to improve initiatives.
“I’ve always admired teams that I’ve been below and considered what we could do to challenge and stay near to them. These folks really have a competitive spirit. They won’t get to where we are now if they want to be judged on things they are at ease with.”
Ratcliffe earlier this week repeated the well-known statement made by Sir Alex Ferguson that he wanted to take both City and Liverpool “off their perch.”
Guardiola responded, “That’s the truth,” when asked if he felt touched by Ratcliffe’s compliments about City. Even though the teams acknowledge it, they will be nearer to us. It is their problem if they wish to deny it because of things that are not true. It’s not an issue for us.
“We were watching and appreciating United when they were winning and we were down. We wished to take notes from them.
“I’m pretty Manchester City adored and felt we want to be there during Sir Alex Ferguson’s heyday, which included Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Gary Neville, and all those fantastic players. We’ve arrived there now.
“That’s why, for these type of comments, that I have the feeling that they will be back.”