Man Utd face January transfer window nightmare with ‘Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover delayed by up to EIGHT WEEKS’

MANCHESTER UNITED could undergo a nightmare transfer window after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment was delayed, according to reports.

United had been hoping to announce the arrival of Ratcliffe’s investment ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League game against Bayern Munich – according to The Daily Mail.

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Ratcliffe will acquire a 25% stake of Manchester United[/caption]

But issues relating to the legal structure of the deal mean that the takeover could be delayed for now.

Fans of United will be left frustrated by a process that has taken over a year now to complete.

A break over Christmas could push the deal into the new year but the parties involved are hoping that is not the case.

Ratcliffe is believed to have paid close to £1.3billion for a 25 per cent stake in United.

Once the takeover goes through, Ratcliffe plans to pump in an additional £245m to upgrade Old Trafford and Carrington.

Once the deal between INEOS and the Glazers has been announced, it will then take six to eight weeks to be confirmed, which could mean Ratcliffe will not be in situ for the January transfer window.

Ratclifffe is in favour of a major overhaul of United’s sporting direction.

He is keen on appointing a new sporting director, with Paul Mitchell, Paolo Maldini and Dougie Freedman all in the frame.

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Ratcliffe is reportedly a fan of Ten Hag and is prepared to offer him significant backing over his project.

One player Ratcliffe could offer the manager is Nice‘s Jean-Clair Todibo, who is believed to be valued at around £40million.

INEOS’ ownership of Nice could help a deal get done.

And United’s win against Chelsea last night should buy the manager some additional time as the Red Devils continued their strong form in the league.

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