SIR JIM'S CAMEO IN PRESS ROOM ALREADY TOWERS ABOVE GLAZERS

FACE-TIME WITH A UNITED INVESTOR IS INDEED A NOVELTY

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

SIR Jim Ratcliffe stood more imposingly than Andre Onana for Tottenham’s equaliser. The dais in the Old Trafford press conference room elevated Ratcliffe, well over six feet, closer to the ceiling.

“Hello,” he said rather bashfully. “I’m here to say nothing, really.”

Around two hours before kick-off, 20 journalists were invited into the room for a brief introduction to the local boy done so good he has a net worth of £29.688billion.

A photographer and videographer were positioned. Every journalist stood on the assumption Ratcliffe would press the flesh. Some had learned their lesson from failing to rise to shake hands with Erik ten Hag at his maiden press conference in the same room.

Old Trafford has some labyrinthine corridors but Ratcliffe’s route to its media hub was straightforward. There is a side door in the directors’ lounge which is directly opposite the entrance to the press conference room a few feet away.

Opting for smart-casual attire of dark trousers, a blue-and-white striped shirt and a black blazer, Ratcliffe is in enviably lean shape for a 71-year-old. Rather than work the room, Ratcliffe opted to hold court on the rostrum, his hands stuffed into his pockets.