Manager Thomas Ziliakas has revealed his transfer strategy as he prepares to approach backers regarding a proposed takeover of Manchester United. The Finnish entrepreneur submitted an offer to the club two years ago and is currently preparing a new proposal.
Ziliakas and his XXI Century Capital launched a bid for United in 2023, when the Glazer family indicated they were willing to accept an offer. He competed against the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim.
But the bid came too late and it was Mr Ratcliffe’s Ineos that secured nearly 30 per cent of the club’s shares.
New speculation suggests United could face a takeover, with whispers of a bid from the UAE and reports that “high-level talks” are taking place. Ziliakas confirmed that he remains open to working with investors to launch a new bid.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he revealed how he will manage Ruben Amorim’s difficult period and which transfers will be prioritized, including a former £125m signing.
“So we didn’t have great success under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. I don’t think anyone can claim that. So there’s no need to criticize him. I’m sure he did his best. But unfortunately, in my opinion, there were some poor choices in terms of players. The new manager, it may be a little early to say whether he can turn things around.”
“Of course, it’s not just about the manager, it’s about the team he’s playing for… There’s a lot of money being put into the club, but we haven’t seen the results yet. I think this also reminds us of another very important thing: this is a team.”
The Finnish former Nokia chief went on to outline which aspects of the team he would strengthen if given the mandate.
He specifically rejected the idea of signing a strong player.
“So, at the end of the day, soccer is a very simple game,” Ziliakas continued. “It’s more important to score more goals than concede. We need good attack and good defense, and in between that we need a good midfield.”
“I’m going to be honest and look at every part of the team. We’ve got some very good players, but I think there’s always room for improvement. But it’s not about aggressively recruiting the biggest stars around.
“A good example is Neymar, although he has already passed the peak. Even in his prime, I would never have brought a player like Neymar to Manchester United, because Neymar is a player that everyone else expects to play for him.
“I want to build the club around young, strong players who have already proven that they are really good and top-class, but who still have the hunger to prove themselves to go further.
“That should be the backbone of the team. That way you can have some experienced players in the gel as well. I think it’s always good to mix it up, because the more mature the players, the more experienced players also know what to do when things don’t go well.”
Despite his concerns about Neymar, Ziliakas singled out a player he believes embodies the characteristics he values. That man was Ousmane Dembele, who had previously been transferred from Barcelona for a total of 125 million pounds.
“Look at PSG, Ousmane Dembele is just the perfect example,” he continued. “Barcelona were very happy to see him leave. Now he has won the Ballon d’Or and he is a star player in a team who is allowed to play as he should. But I think the manager has succeeded in making him understand that if he wants to be a star he has to work hard and now he is doing that.”
