Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson says he is “optimistic” that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford will have a positive impact on the club.

Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group are set to take a 25% minority stake in the Red Devils, on the condition that they take control of the day-to-day running of the club from the Glazers. Asked about the current situation by the Gambling Zone, Ferguson said:

“I am still a director of the club. I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does. But I am optimistic.”

It appears a restructuring of the club’s hierarchy is already underway with the announcement that current chief executive Richard Arnold will leave Old Trafford at the end of the year.

Once Ratcliffe’s deal is officially ratified, it’s likely that more changes will be made as the British multi-billionaire looks to put his stamp on the club.

Who could be hired by Ratcliffe?

It is believed that former Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain director Jean Claude Blanc is the frontrunner to replace Arnold as CEO.

There has also been speculation that John Murtough will be replaced as football director. Ex-Monaco transfer chief Paul Mitchell is among the leading candidates to head United’s new-look recruitment team, although there have been rumours that Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta could also be in the frame for the job.

When will INEOS complete the purchase of their stake in United?

It has been reported that Ratcliffe wanted official confirmation of his arrival as a minority stakeholder in the club before the end of the current international break.

With United taking on Everton on Sunday evening, time is running out for a formal announcement before the team’s next fixture, so we shall have to wait and see how things develop over the coming days.

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