Sir Jim Ratcliffe can make £69m transfer statement at Man Utd with 'best defender' Real Madrid star has faced

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to improve things across the board at Manchester United but his impact as an investor will be judged on the pitch.

Ratcliffe has previously described United as 'dumb money' but will have the chance to change that reputation, once his investment into the club is fully ratified. The INEOS chief will hold a minority share but is expected to take complete control of footballing operations.

Investment into Old Trafford and Carrington will be welcomed but judgement will come in the summer and will lean heavily on United's transfer business. Key positions need strengthening and Erik ten Hag has already identified central defence as a priority.

Three of his current five centre-back options are 30 or above and there is uncertainty over all of them. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane will both see contracts expire in the summer - United opting against a 12-month extension for the latter - while Harry Maguire was up for sale all summer.

Ten Hag is keen to lower the age profile while increasing the quality in central defence and so it comes as little surprise that United have reportedly enquired about Ronald Araujo. Sky Germany report that Bayern Munich are also keen but a winter exit from Barcelona is unlikely and any suitors will need €80million (around £69m) to come to the table.

That is the price for world-class defenders nowadays and Araujo is definitely that. The 24-year-old was pivotal in Barcelona winning La Liga last season and his influence remains as they fight for another title. Uruguay are looking like one of the best international teams in the world under Marcelo Bielsa and his presence at the back is valued.

Class knows class and that Vinicius Jr. has hailed Araujo as the best defender he's faced says plenty. The Brazilian is among the world's most dangerous wingers and has made top players look distinctly average.

"The best defender I have ever faced is Araujo," he insisted last year. "He's very strong and very good. That's why he plays for Barca."

How long Araujo stays at Barcelona remains to be seen but United are not the only interested party. Bayern Munich were the first club to be informed of that £69m price-tag and United will not be the last. Other clubs will likely join the race for Araujo and this summer will be when interest develops, but with the financial backing of Ratcliffe and know-how of those he will hope to hire between now and June, United should be in a strong position to make their move.