Sir Jim Ratcliffe can't ignore Ralf Rangnick's warning at Manchester United

The prospect of Sir Jim Ratcliffe securing investment in Manchester United has the potential to be the catalyst for a much-needed change in direction at Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Failsworth-born billionaire is closing in on a 25 per cent stake in the club, following Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani's decision to withdraw from the takeover race last weekend. The duo had been the leading contenders since February.

Ratcliffe is now close to securing a deal that will connect his chemical giant - INEOS - with another big-name sports team. They already own French side OGC Nice, purchased the Team Sky cycling team in 2019 and are the principal partners of the Mercedes Formula One team. They don't do small fry.

READ MORE: Sir Geoff Hurst pays tribute to United great Sir Bobby Charlton

READ MORE: Gary Neville leads tributes to United legend Sir Bobby Charlton

Investing in United, however, would mark their biggest acquisition yet. They are, after all, of the biggest sporting powerhouses in the world.

Yet their on-field performance over the past decade would tell you otherwise. The club, despite being on a gradual upward trajectory again under Erik ten Hag, has been on the back foot ever since Sir Alex Ferguson called it a day in 2013.

They have been left lagging behind their competitors, both domestically and in Europe. Though players and managers have come and gone over the past decade, the Glazers have, of course, remained ever-present. Their mismanagement from the top has contributed to the Reds' on-field decline, with their catalogue of errors and unwillingness to invest in the club's infrastructure having a serious impact.

Money has been spent on players, not least since Ten Hag arrived at