Man Utd takeover latest: Deal delay explained, new 'transfer focus', Ten Hag dealt disappointment

Another week has gone by and there is still no official confirmation over Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to buy a share in Manchester United.

Over a year has passed since the Glazer family confirmed they were ‘exploring strategic alternatives’ and that was said to include bringing a complete end to their two-decade involvement at Old Trafford in a move welcomed by the vast majority of United supporters.

Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and INEOS chairman Ratcliffe were both named as leading contenders to take control of the club - but it is the latter that has made the most progress as he prepares to confirm his share in United after a deal was reportedly agreed earlier this season.

Why has there been a delay in the announcement?

There was an expectation the formal confirmation of the Ratcliffe deal during the November international break - but, as it stands, there is still no announcement as we head towards the crucial Christmas period.

BBC Sport reported the delay was caused in part by the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, where current owners the Glazer family are based.  A new date of last week was then suggested - but once again no new announcement was made as several high-ranking United officials travelled to Turkey for the Champions League group stage fixture against Galatasaray.

However, there is now an expectation confirmation of Ratcliffe’s investment will belatedly arrive later this week as the lifelong United supporter finally prepares to take a significant stake in his boyhood club.

Ratcliffe to implement ‘new look’ recruitment strategy

Ratcliffe has agreed to take a 25 percent stake in the 13-time Premier League champions and will look to take an active role in the day-to-day running of his boyhood club.  That will reportedly include implementing a ‘new look recruitment team’ with a view to targeting homegrown talent.

The Mail on Sunday have revealed Ratcliffe will conduct an ‘overhaul’ of United’s recruitment setup and is ‘eager’ to see the club have a more domestic presence within Erik ten Hag’s side.  The report states the Red Devils are ready to shun the foreign market and prioritise players that are ‘experienced with the rigours of English football’.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is suggested as one possible target as he closes in on a return from the lengthy ban he received for breeching gambling regulations and there is also an interest in Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi as he continues to impress for club and country.

Ratcliffe deals ‘blow’ to Ten Hag plans

As confirmation over the deal is awaited, United are said to be formulating their plans for the January transfer window as Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his squad in a bid to find some form in the new year.

Saturday night’s defeat at top four rivals Newcastle United may have looked narrow in appearance - but the Red Devils were outplayed and outfought for large parts of the game, before almost snatching a point when an Antony goal as ruled out for offside.

The Mirror have reported there is ‘little appetite’ for major alterations within the squad from Ratcliffe and his team and Ten Hag may have to work with ‘limited business’ when the winter trading period opens in January.