Manchester United's plans for the January transfer window are reportedly unclear due to the likely delay in an announcement on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe is set to purchase 25% of the Red Devils for around £1.3bn, with the British billionaire initially coming in as a minority shareholder ahead of a potential full takeover at a later date.
Various reports last week that said the 71-year-old's arrival would be confirmed before the end of the November international break, but according to The Telegraph, there are now fears that an announcement might not arrive until next week.
As a result, Man United's plans for the January market could be impacted, as there will also be a six to eight-week wait for the Premier League to ratify Ratcliffe's arrival.
Jadon Sancho is widely expected to leave Old Trafford at the start of 2024, with the England international currently not involved with the first team in any captaincy due to his falling-out with head coach Erik ten Hag.
© Reuters
Ratcliffe is expected to take over the football department at the club and is believed to be keen to complete some transfer business in the winter market.
A new centre-back and centre-forward could allegedly be targeted, and a recent report claimed that Ratcliffe's arrival would allow Man United to have more money to spend in January.
However, any delay longer than next week could potentially mean that the Premier League will not ratify the deal until after the January transfer window has closed.
Ratcliffe has allegedly identified recruitment as a key part of the club's failings in recent years, and he is expected to overhaul that department once he arrives.
© Reuters
Richard Arnold's departure from the club has already been confirmed, with Jean-Claude Blanc widely expected to be named as the new CEO of Man United in the near future.
There has also been widespread speculation surrounding the future of football director John Murtough.
However, the report claims that Murtough is expecting to at least be involved in the transition, and it has not been ruled out that he could continue on a long-term basis.
Despite the planned changes, head coach Ten Hag is allegedly set to remain, with Ratcliffe believed to have full confidence in the Dutchman despite a tough start to the season.
Man United will be bidding to make it three straight wins in the Premier League when they resume their domestic campaign against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
