The Sir Jim Ratcliffe era has begun at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Dimitar Berbatov believes Joshua Kimmich would be the perfect signing to kickstart Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United regime.
The Ineos Group chairman has agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United and inject around £236million into the club.
Ineos, who will assume delegated responsibility for the club’s football operations and will now look to overhaul the way in which player recruitment is handled at the club.
Funds are certain to be tight in January with Erik ten Hag set to be restricted to making loan signings, as he was 12 months ago.
With a view to the summer window, however, Berbatov believes a move for Bayern’s captain would represent a shrewd move.
United’s engine room is likely to be in need of an overhaul with doubts surrounding the long-term futures of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro.
And Berbatov is confident that Kimmich would add the experience and class to breathe new life into a midfield that has looked imbalanced so far this season.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
He told Betfair: ‘Going forward with the takeover, I wonder how brave Man United will be in the transfer market. Joshua Kimmich is being linked, but he’s such an important player for Bayern Munich.
‘Can I see him leaving Bayern and coming to United in the January transfer window? I don’t think that will happen.
’Maybe we can speak about this transfer in the summer, but he’s someone who is highly regarded at his- current club.
‘With Casemiro’s injuries and form, maybe United are going to look for a replacement.
’Let’s not forget about Scott McTominay though, he’s there and playing well, but if Casemiro is not going to be counted on to continue to play because of his age and injuries, then of course, you need to buy someone to replace him.
’Kimmich is someone who fits perfectly in that position, but does he want to leave Bayern? That’s going to be a tough decision.’
MORE : Benfica respond to Manchester United transfer link with Joao Neves
MORE : The games Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana could miss on AFCON duty
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
This would be ideal.