Man Utd takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe camp ‘meets with Glazers’

Manchester United’s dearth of quality on the pitch may well be enticing fans to beckon Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival to be confirmed as soon as possible.

With an arrival before Christmas unlikely, supporters will hope to end a mixed 2023 on a positive note by learning that Ratcliffe’s investment has been ratified. He will be tasked with overhauling the recruitment department upon his arrival with the Ineos chief set to take control of sporting matters.

Richard Arnold has already left his role as CEO while United are planning for a potential replacement for football director John Murtough. United’s signings under Erik ten Hag have been criticised for under performing and Ratcliffe could opt to be more cut-throat with transfers under his reign.

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Ineos officials met with the Glazer family in Florida last week according to journalist Santi Aouna, although it is unclear whether Ratcliffe himself was in attendance. It is thought positive talks were held but his investment has still not yet been ratified.

Former Monaco chief Paul Mitchell is top of the list to replace Murtough as football director although no plans have been rubber-stamped in this regard. Other names linked with the role include Milan icon Paulo Maldini and Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth.

Ratcliffe’s arrival could take a number of weeks once his bid is approved due to the several owner’s tests the club will need to go through. It’s therefore considered unlikely that he will be in place before the end of January, meaning he will have no sway over transfer window proposals.

The Times says it is likely that Joel Glazer will