The five elements of Manchester City that Manchester United’s Jim Ratcliffe admires

Man United’s Jim Ratcliffe has been keen to credit five elements of Man City’s operation that he admires, speaking for the first time since confirmation of his investment.

The British billionaire saw his 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United confirmed on Tuesday evening, and has been speaking at length about his plans and ambitions for his latest venture in global sport.

Such are his lofty ambitions that Ratcliffe has been making numerous references to Manchester City and the hugely successful project that has been executed at the Etihad Stadium since Abu Dhabi’s investment in 2008.

Pep Guardiola and his players since 2016 have become one of the most successful clubs in European football, and arguably the best footballing side in the game at present, following on from their Treble-winning season last campaign.

Now, speaking to BBC Sport this week for the first time since his investment in Manchester United was officially confirmed by the club, Jim Ratcliffe has identified five elements of Manchester City’s operation that he admires from a football business perspective.

“If you look at Manchester City, they have got the correct organisation, they’ve got the right people in the organisation, they’ve got the right constructive atmosphere, they’ve got a great squad, and they win football matches,” Ratcliffe explained.

City’s hierarchy is headed up by chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, whose connection to the Manchester City fans and players is transparent, handing annual interviews to supporters reviewing the business and on-field productivity in honest fashion.

Alongside Al Mubarak, the likes of sporting director Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano work tirelessly with one another and closely with manager Pep Guardiola to deliver exceptional results both on the field and financially to ensure the continued rise of the club.