Finance expert explains how Sir Jim Ratcliffe deal will help Manchester United in transfer window

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes Manchester United's budget for the January transfer window will be 'increased' if Sir Jim Ratcliffe secures a 25 per cent stake in the club by the end of December.

Ratcliffe, who is a boyhood United supporter, is edging closer to securing a minority stake in the club. He recently held virtual meetings with Reds co-chairman Joel Glazer, and it is understood they held discussions about potential changes to United's structure.

As part of his impending investment, Ratcliffe, along with key members of his Ineos group, is reportedly set to head up football operations at Old Trafford, overseeing a variety of different areas, including recruitment. United fans will be hoping that he can improve the club's recruitment strategy and improve the overall quality of the squad after countless failings in recent years.

READ MORE: American billionaire Leon Cooperman 'takes late stake' in United in latest takeover twist

READ MORE: United have three options to replace Rasmus Hojlund

Should his investment in the club be finalised and secured in time, it should, according to Maguire, who co-hosts The Price of Football Podcast, give manager Erik ten Hag the opportunity to add to his squad mid-season.

Maguire told the Stretford Paddock: "I think the financial basis is that we've got a transfer window commencing on January 1 and wheels are already in motion at most clubs. You've identified targets.

"I think it's fairly common knowledge that Manchester United were at the upper end of their Financial Fair Play [FFP] limit as far as the most recent window was concerned. And part of the reason for that is that under the rules, you're only allowed to lose £15million in the Premier League