Maguire reveals Man Utd stars who have been left 'really impressed' by Sir Jim Ratcliffe
HARRY MAGUIRE has tipped Sir Jim Ratcliffe to bring back the glory days to Manchester United.
Ratcliffe had his 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils – worth £1.03 billion – approved by the Football Association yesterday, 24 hours after the Premier League sanctioned the investment.
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Ratcliffe and Ineos will control football operations at Old Trafford, but England centre-back Maguire revealed Erik ten Hag's side were 'impressed' by their first meeting with the club's new investors.
Maguire said: “There is a positive energy and a good intensity. Sir Jim and Ineos have come in and I am sure he will have a positive impact on this club.
“As a player here, I want this club to be successful. I'm sure he will play a big role in getting this club back to where it should be.
“It has been a difficult few years as the expectation for this club is to challenge for the biggest trophies and to compete at the top of the Premier League.
'And we haven't done that often enough in the past ten years.
“I'm sure he has a vision of what he wants for this club and I'm sure he will take it in the right direction.”
Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford addressed the United squad at Carrington last month.
And Maguire says his teammates, sixth in the Premier League and without having won the title since 2013, were buoyed by the 71-year-old's message of intent.
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He added: “The boys came out of the meeting very impressed with the way he spoke.
“He gave us, everyone in the room, great motivation to fight for the club and fight for this badge and to continue on this journey with everyone involved.
“These are exciting times for the club. They told us how they want to operate, how they see the club and where we are now, and where they want to take us.”
“He has brought new energy and we feel he will now take the club in the right direction.”
Ratcliffe has already started on the football side by poaching Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada, who is currently on gardening leave.
Now Ratcliffe has made Newcastle's Dan Ashworth his No.1 target to become the club's sporting director.
United still have to go a step further, but Toon is ready, while 52-year-old Ashworth is open to this step.
Newcastle would like Ashworth's future to be sorted out as early as possible as they do not want it to disrupt their summer transfer plans.
Maguire himself almost left United for West Ham for a fee of £30million last summer, but the England defender insists he is back to his best form.
The 30-year-old was named man-of-the-match in the 2-1 Prem win over Aston Villa last Sunday.
Maguire said: “Being at the top of the Premier League and at such a big club as United, you are going to have moments where criticism comes your way.
“If your form does not match what you have shown in recent years.
“But you have to keep faith in yourself and have self-confidence. I have good friends and family around me. I've had a lot of support.
“I have always had the inner conviction that I could again show what I have done in recent years and find that confidence and conviction to perform at the highest level. I think I'm back at that stage now.”
Maguire assisted Rasmus Hojlund's opener at Villa Park – his fifth goal in as many Prem games.
And the Three Lions ace claims no one doubted the 21-year-old striker, who had to wait until Boxing Day for his first league goal.
He told Sky Sports: “We've seen the talent he has and now it's really clicking for him in front of goal.
“We always knew this would happen because he is an exceptional talent. He will be a big player for this club. I am sure he will continue to score goals and many more will follow.”
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