Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been told what he needed to hear about Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Change is on the horizon at Manchester United and while Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment might not be the fully-fledged overhaul most wanted, there is cautious cause for optimism for what the investment could bring.

It has been 10 years since United got their hands on the Premier League trophy and, while Erik ten Hag improved matters on the pitch last season, there is one thing still holding them back in the boardroom. The much-maligned Glazer family are here to stay, for the time being, yet there could be a shift when it comes to their main business.

A football-first approach is what United supporters yearn for more than anything. They will never get it from their American owners, but with Ratcliffe on board, there might be enough of a change to pallet the fact they have not waved goodbye to Joel, Avram and their siblings.

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While excitement has naturally diluted given a full takeover has long since been off the table, United have no choice but to give this 'fresh' direction a proper chance. There are already a few examples of how the INEOS touch might improve things at Old Trafford and beyond.

Some would argue they couldn't get too much worse. Crucially, the blueprint from other sporting venues offers a little bit of solace for Ten Hag at a time that has brought uncertainty.

Unlike the majority of his predecessors in those barren post-Sir Alex Ferguson years, Ten Hag, who was appointed by United last summer following his success at Ajax, has been given the keys and played a significant role, not only on the training ground and pitch-side but when it comes to transfers as well.

He has been