Man Utd takeover: The two 'trusted lieutenants' sent by Sir Jim Ratcliffe to conduct in-depth review

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to send two of his 'trusted lieutenants' to Carrington next month to conduct an in-depth review of operations, it is reported.

On Christmas Eve, Ratcliffe promised Manchester United fans that he will continue to invest funds into the club, as an agreement to purchase 25 percent of the Red Devils was finally confirmed.

News broke at 4pm that the British billionaire’s $1.3bn (£1.03bn) bid had finally been agreed, although it will now be referred to the Premier League’ Owners’ and Directors’ Test, meaning it could take around six to eight weeks before the deal can be officially confirmed.

The Telegraph and Daily Mail report Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'trusted lieutenants' Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc will be sent to the North West next month to carry out an in-depth review of all departments. Based at Carrington, they are said to do an in-depth analysis into 'data analysis, recovery, psychology and injury prevention' among areas.

The Mail report: "While a sporting director will be appointed eventually, Brailsford and Blanc's work will see every department across the footballing side of the club scrutinised, including data analysis, recovery, psychology and injury prevention, while discussions will also be held on how the group can improve Old Trafford. Ratcliffe will be the ultimate power broker and is expected to have a key focus on recruitment and scouting."

In a Christmas Eve statement, the club said: "Manchester United announces today that it has entered into an agreement under which Chairman of INEOS, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will acquire 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class B shares and up to 25 per cent of Manchester United’s Class A shares and provide an additional $300 million intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford."

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority acquisition was confirmed over a year after the Glazers began their strategic review.