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5 months ago
35 Manchester United-linked centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo has lauded the impact of INEOS’ ownership at his current club OGC Nice before briefly touching on the Red Devils’ reported interest.
Bolstering Erik ten Hag’s backline will be high on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s list of priorities heading into the summer transfer window, with central defence undoubtedly the area most affected by this season’s debilitating injury crisis.
As such, a proven and dynamic option such as the French international could do wonders for United as they look to go head-to-head with their rivals at the top of the Premier League in 2024/2025.
Should the Reds ignite their pursuit over the summer, they could well face stern competition from Tottenham Hotspur (NiceMatin), who have been heavily linked with Todibo, 24, in recent months and particularly across the January window.
Both United and Spurs will be playing in the Europa League next term; Ange Postecoglou’s side finished fifth-placed, but last Saturday’s FA Cup triumph booked United’s spot in the competition.
Todibo lauds INEOS’ influence
During an in-depth interview with Mail Sport, Todibo hailed Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford’s influence at the Ligue 1 club.
“They bring a winning mentality,” the player began while speaking to journalist Sami Mokbel. “They changed a lot of things. They give us a comfort so there is a mood around the team to allow the team to succeed.
“They put a lot of importance on being around the players to give them the opportunity to have the best performance they can. Sir Jim [Ratcliffe] – he speaks and jokes with the players. And then there’s Dave [Brailsford].
“For Dave, every detail is important. He talks a lot about that, all he thinks about is performance. His experience in cycling means he knows a lot about sporting performance. People say you can’t transfer cycling to football, but it’s the same thing.
“If you have 11 players just thinking about their performance and how everything around them can improve their performance it’s the same. If you have 11 players performing to 100 per cent of their capacity it’s going to give you a better chance to win trophies. Before you start to think about the football, players should think about what they need to do to perform. Ineos are responsible for our mindset. But also, as players, we take responsibility because we are competitors and want to win.”
He proceeded to disclose that he’d had trials with United at the start of his career, adding: “I had trials at Nottingham Forest, Le Havre and Manchester United when I was 15 but chose to join Toulouse. The culture was different at United and Forest. They weren’t like the players in my neighbourhood just trying to enjoy it, they were on a mission, trying to be a professional. That wasn’t my mindset at the time, I was there to enjoy and play football.”
“It’s nice to hear all the compliments. I’m trying to stay focused on my game and my team-mates – but for sure I am open to playing in the Premier League,” Todibo said of interest from top-flight sides in England.
After being asked if a move to Old Trafford awaited him, he responded: “I’m going to keep that for me! Nice try.”

