Diogo Dalot gives Sir Jim Ratcliffe verdict & explains why Man Utd fans should feel excited

Diogo Dalot has claimed Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brought ‘new energy’ and ‘positive feelings’ to Manchester United since agreeing to purchase a minority stake in the club.

It was announced on Christmas Eve that the British billionaire will become a minority investor in United, subject to Premier League regulations being passed. Ratcliffe, along with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, were at Old Trafford and Carrington last week meeting staff and undergoing something of a fact-finding mission ahead of the deal being officially announced in the next six weeks.

Speaking after United’s FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic on Monday, Dalot claimed the impact of the Ineos arrival is already being felt at the club. “He [Ratcliffe] brings some good energy, new energy, hopefully with positive feelings,” the Portuguese full-back told ITV Sport.

“New things to conquer, looking forward to the future with a good energy and they are bringing that. You can feel in Carrington already the motivation they've brought in and hopefully we can win a lot of things together."

Dalot scored the opener as United recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wigan, with Bruno Fernandes also netting in the second half via a controversial penalty. But it was a game where United’s misfiring forwards were perhaps the biggest post-match talking point, after the team managed just two goals from 33 shots and 14 on target against the League One opponent.

"We created a lot of chances, but the difference in the score today was putting the ball in the net a little more with the chances we had," said Dalot. "I think we controlled the game, had some good moments and I'm glad that we won.

"I think it [the early goal] gave comfort to the team, we were looking for the goal, so we could be a little bit more calm, not rushing to score. I think we created a lot and could have scored even more goals. Overall, that's what we missed today."

The win sets up a fourth-round tie against the winner of Eastleigh or Newport County, which will be played away from home in the final weekend of January.