Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrival 'timeline' revealed

Manchester United could be in store for an early Christmas present, according to reports. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s drawn-out arrival has followed the trend of the takeover process as a whole, with his 25 per cent investment stake yet to be ratified.

The Ineos chief is due to splash out £1.3billion on the purchase as he assumes sporting control of the club. It is expected that more will follow the departed Richard Arnold out of the boardroom door with Ratcliffe set to reshuffle the pack.

Football director John Murtough is understood to have his job at risk with potential replacements already being linked with his position. However, ambiguity still reigns large with Ratcliffe still not yet in situ.

READ MORE: Ratcliffe is already planning something Gary Neville will love

READ MORE: Ratcliffe sets sights on new sporting director

A report from the Daily Mail says there is the possibility that Ratcliffe’s arrival could be ratified before Christmas. Similar suggestions have been previously made ever since it became clear that the 71-year-old was due to be brought in by the Glazers, but to no avail.

The Mail says there is a ‘realistic’ chance that Ratcliffe gets his feet under the desk before the Christmas turkey is ready although the purchase still has regulation hoops to jump through, including the Premier League’s owners test.

These processes could take up to eight weeks, therefore wiping out any hopes that the purchase will impact January transfer business. In fact, there is not expected to be much movement in the winter market.

United are not expected to be 'particularly busy' in the January transfer window as they remain focused on well-sourced summer additions.

United have endured a disappointing start to their second