Brilliant four-word Kylian Mbappe transfer response by Sir Jim Ratcliffe hints at Man United strategy

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has quashed suggestions the club could be in the running to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe in this forthcoming summer's transfer window.

Mbappe is poised to leave the French heavyweights at the end of the season. It is expected that he will join Real Madrid once the terms of his exit are finalised. And Ratcliffe has claimed 'it's not that clever' to buy the superstar striker.

The French international has been heavily linked with leaving the Ligue 1 club over the past couple of years or so, with Madrid often being cited as his most likely destination. However, a cluster of other big-name clubs have also been linked with his services during that time, including United.

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Various reports during the takeover saga that unfolded between November 2022 and December 2023 linked United with Mbappe, suggesting the Frenchman could become the first statement signing of the new era at Old Trafford. That, however, was always highly unlikely.

Now, Ratcliffe, who secured a 27.7 per cent stake in the club last month, has all but confirmed that United will not be in the running for the forward's signature, insisting he would prefer to take the club's recruitment in a different direction. He has set a challenge of trying to find someone who could emulate Mbappe's success and support their individual development and growth.

"What I would rather do is find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune just trying to buy success," Ratcliffe told the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast. "It's not that clever, is it,