Manchester United takeover latest as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'plots major restructure'

Manchester United fans look like they will need to wait until 2024 for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to arrive at their club.

Back in November, it seemed like it would be only a matter of time before INEOS had arrived at Old Trafford following the departure of Richard Arnold. However, further progress has been slow going since with the Reds' acquisition being delayed.

Realistically, if there is no official confirmation on Friday, December 22, Ratcliffe's arrival will be pushed back until 2024 thanks to the Christmas period. If the latest reports are anything to go by though, the delays have not stopped INEOS from plotting their next move.

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Take a look at the latest United takeover news below.

According to the Daily Mail, INEOS are planning to recommend a host of job cuts at Old Trafford in a bid to increase the efficiency of the club. Ratcliffe has reportedly discovered certain areas of United are 'overstaffed' and thus a restructuring is needed.

Currently, more than 1100 people are employed by the Reds. This is considerably more than their Premier League rivals, for instance, Liverpool employ 900 staff members and Manchester City just 720.

Earlier this week, MEN Sport reported INEOS had singled out Dan Ashworth as the No.1 target to replace John Murtough as sporting director. Murtough would be kept on to join an administrative role but Ratcliffe would need Newcastle's director to undergo a change of heart on leaving St James' Park.

Earlier this season, Ashworth told Chronicle Live: "Same situation as Eddie [Howe], I think. I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly