Manchester United takeover latest as chairman plays down links to key appointment

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to finalise his 25 per cent minority takeover at Manchester United as plans for the future at Old Trafford and beyond start to take shape.

Over a year since the much-maligned Glazer family announced a strategic review to their ownership, the Premier League giants are ready to be pushed in a different direction. However, for the time being at least, the Americans are here to stay and Sir Jim will, initially, work alongside them.

Investment from the INEOS founder is thought to be worth £1.25billion and his impending arrival will be followed up by further key appointments behind the scenes. Here, we take a look at the latest news and headlines relating to the minority takeover;

ALSO READ: Sir Jim could change centre-back plans for United

ALSO READ: United call to Saudi Arabia would highlight failings

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has poured cold water on rumours sporting director Dougie Freedman will head to United when Ratcliffe steps into the boardroom.

INEOS founder Ratcliffe, 71, is expected to complete his investment imminently. That will spark a further shake-up behind the scenes and Freedman has been linked.

The former striker had two spells with Palace during his playing days. He also served as manager at Selhurst Park, before stepping into his current role as their sporting director in 2017.

Read the full story here.

Sir Jim described United as being the "dumb money" when discussing a potential bid for the club in 2019, but his language might have been more colourful with the recorder switched off.

There has been over £1billion spent on transfer dealings since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and Richard Arnold said it best himself in his chat with supporters in a pub: "We have f***ing