Reports today suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson when it comes to boardroom reform.
The INEOS supremo is set to take sporting control at United once his 25 per cent stake is ratified by the Glazers, which could come within the fortnight.
This comes after it was announced that chief executive Richard Arnold is set to leave the club by the end of the year.
The 52-year-old was always expected to depart once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club was made official, with the deal expected to be ratified during November's international break.
“It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years," a statement from Arnold read. "Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.”
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Key Events
That's all for today!
That's it for today, and it's been another busy day of United news.
Takeover talk has continued to dominate amid reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take guidance from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Paolo Maldini is among the candidates being considered for the role of sporting director, joining Dougie Freedman and Paul Mitchel.
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Keane on leaving United
Roy Keane admitted he should have retired when he controversially left United in 2005.
Speaking on the popular Stick To Football podcast, Keane said:
"I was 34 when I finished, but I should have retired when I left United. I even lost a bit of the love for the game after that.
"I went up to Celtic, but my hip was really at me, painkillers for training... I tore my hamstring two or three times up at Celtic. I was commuting. I still had a year left on my contract and I rang Gordon [Strachan].
"I went to see the hip specialist who said the longer you play on, the worse damage [you will do]. He was talking about when I retire, about quality of life."
Hojlund back up
United could attempt to sign Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic as back-up to Rasmus Hojlund, according to Calciomercato.
The 23-year-old could be available for £8.7m when the market reopens. He has scored four goals this season from 11 games in Serie A - also winning 12 caps for Montenegro since making his international debut in 2022.
McTominay fumes
Scott McTominay was far from happy with the Georgian team after scoring in Scotland's 2-2 draw earlier this evening.
He told Viaplay.
"Every game at this level is big. They've got some really good footballers but the way that they were acting on the pitch was a disgrace. Provoking the referee, it's difficult to keep your head when that's happening.
"Rolling around like babies all night is not football. We just wanted to get on with the game to try and win it."
Fofana interest
United are continuing to monitor Youssouf Fofana as they consider possible long-term replacements for Casemiro, according to RMC Sport.
The Manchester Evening News understands United are initially planning to make four big signings next summer, including another midfielder.
Fofan, 24, is valued around €25million.
Fernandes starts for Portugal
United's captain has started for Portugal this evening as they take on Liechtenstein in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Reds legend Ronaldo also starts up front for Roberto Martinez's side.
Mainoo told what he must remember for great United career
United's young midfielder Mainoo is on the verge of breaking through into the first team.
This season was expected to be his breakout year but that was postponed following an ankle injury suffered against Real Madrid.
But a former United academy graduate has told MEN Sport what he must remember to have a successful career at Old Trafford.
ANALYSIS - Mitchell has already outlined what United need to make progress
While Maldini is a new name to be added to the discussion, Mitchell has been linked since it became clear Ratcliffe had won the battle to invest in United.
Mitchell's track record is impressive having overseen good projects at Spurs, Southampton and AS Monaco.
Should he arrive at Old Trafford, he already knows what the Reds need to make progress.
REPORT - United want to keep Antony
According to Football Insider, United are wanting to keep their winger at the club in January.
Antony has yet to notch a single goal or assist this season but the Reds have no wish to let the 23-year-old leave this winter.
The Brazilian's future has been brought into question recently due to his poor form.
What happened in United's behind closed doors friendly
The Reds may be on an international break but for those who have not been called up to their national team, their time is being spent at Carrington.
On Tuesday, United took on Hull City in a behind closed doors friendly with Antony, Van de Beek and Hannibal all featuring.
A host of academy talents also featured in the fixture.
WATCH - McTominay at it again for Scotland
United's midfielder has had a knack of scoring goals for his international team this season and he has added another one to his tally tonight.
That makes seven goals for the year for McTominay on international duty. His team trail 2-1 to Georgia.
Maldini's history with United
Maldini is of course a legend in Milan but there was a time when Ferguson tried to bring the legendary defender to the Premier League.
However, as the United great recalled in 2019, there was little chance of this happening.
I did try [to sign Maldini] but when I met his father he was quite formidable, I got a shake of the head. I remember him saying, 'my grandfather is Milan, my father is, I am Milan, my sons are Milan. Forget it.
Where we stand with the Ratcliffe deal
As we head into Thursday evening, MEN Sport is taking a look back at yet another busy day surrounding United.
The latest reports suggest Ratcliffe will take advice from Ferguson upon arrival at the club.
INEOS' founder is also weighing up who should take on the role of sporting director of the Reds. Freedman is thought to be in the running as is former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini.
Beckham explains what 'should happen after Ratcliffe deal
David Beckham believes that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has to find managerial stability in order to bring about positive change at United.
Beckham, 48, remains a keen follower of the club and has often spoken out about United's ownership issues.
He told Sportstar: "I am a true Manchester United fan who only wants the good for our club and only wants us to get back to top level again. But that has to start at the top. It has to start with ownership."
OPINION: Next United CEO might have the same problems as Arnold
The winds of change are beginning to blow through Old Trafford.
Richard Arnold's decision to step down as chief executive as Sir Jim Ratcliffe nears completion of a deal to acquire 25% of the club is the first move in what could yet become a significant restructuring.
Ratcliffe will want to streamline that and create a more agile, flexible decision-making process.
Doing that will be imperative to the success or otherwise of Arnold's replacement and it's fair to say there are doubts about how this is going to work.
Ratcliffe to 'be guided by Sir Alex in boardroom reform'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take the advice of Sir Alex Ferguson when making decisions about boardroom changes in his role overseeing football operations upon his 25% stake purchase.
That's according to the Telegraph, which claims this would come as a boost for Dougie Freedman's prospects, who has been linked with a job at United
The report says the Crystal Palace sporting director is a close ally and former neighbour of Sir Alex although he is not the only contender on Ratcliffe's shortlist.
AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are among the mooted names on this list.
Freedman has overseen the arrival of Marc Guehi, Ebereche Eze and Michael Olise at Palace.
INEOS senior figure Jean-Claude Blanc could potentially be named as Richard Arnold's successor as CEO, with the latter due to leave United before the year is out.
The article claims Ratcliffe is expected to perform a shake-up of the hierarchy with sporting dirctor John Murotugh's position under threat.
Scholes shares concern about Ratcliffe's 'bizarre' arrival
Paul Scholes is not convinced the Glazers will surrender full control of football operations to impending investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
United's recruitment policy is in desperate need of attention and improvement following a catalogue of errors in recent years.
However, Scholes does not believe the Glazers will allow Ratcliffe to come into the club and be left to his own devices with just a minority stake.
‘Very well’ - Lindelof casts verdict on Richard Arnold’s time at United
Victor Lindelof believes Richard Arnold represented United well during his 16 years at the club, including his time as chief executive officer.
The defender is “sad” that the 52-year-old is to leave his role by the end of the year, but says he has done “very well” in his time at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion minority bid is expected to be ratified within the next fortnight and is tipped to conduct an audit at boardroom level.
Paul Mitchell has already outlined what United need
Following Richard Arnold's exit from Manchester United on Wednesday, a changing of the guard is in the offing at Old Trafford.
With big changes to the current landscape of the off-field structure set to feature high up on Ratcliffe's to-do list, there has been an increase in speculation linking former AS Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell with Old Trafford.
Mitchell, 42, has also previously worked at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, where he served as Head of Recruitment.
Next six Premier League matches for United
United players are currently dotted around the world on international duty.
Here are their next six Premier League matches to note down in your diary;
Sunday, November 26 vs Everton (A) at 4.30pm
Saturday, December 2 vs Newcastle United (A) at 8pm
Wednesday, December 6 vs Chelsea (H) at 8.15pm
Saturday, December 9 vs AFC Bournemouth (H) at 3pm
Sunday, December 17 vs Liverpool (A) at 4.30pm
Saturday, December 23 vs West Ham (A) at 12.30pm
United 'identify' possible Casemiro replacement
United have once again been linked with a swoop for AS Monaco player Youssouf Fofana.
French publication RMC Sport note the midfielder as a possible replacement for Casemiro.
Fofana, 24, is under contract at Ligue 1 side Monaco until 2025.
The 12-cap France international is thought to be worth around €25million. Casemiro has been an important player for United since moving to Old Trafford last summer, but he's currently nursing a hamstring injury and has been somewhat off the pace this season.
Round-up from United's treatment room
United have long-standing issues in their treatment room at Carrington and two players have added to the injury woes. Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund will play no part for Denmark in the November international break. Here are the players Erik ten Hag will have to check on before domestic resumption;
Christian Eriksen (knee)
Rasmus Hojlund (muscular)
Casemiro (hamstring)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (illness)
Luke Shaw (muscular)
Lisandro Martinez (foot)
Jonny Evans (thigh)
Tyrell Malacia (knee)
Amad Diallo (knee)
OPINION: Next United chief executive might have the same problems as Arnold
"Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn't ploughing £1.3bn into the club to be a passive investor, but the reality remains that he owns just 25% of the club and the Glazers have a far bigger share. Joel and Avram Glazer have long been reluctant to part with United. Having someone like Jean-Claude Blanc on the ground in Manchester, reporting into Ratcliffe, should streamline decision-making, but that presumes the Glazers will be happy for someone else to be making the decisions on a business that they still majority own."
Click here to read more from our Senior Football Writer, Tyrone Marshall.
United in 'three-way battle' for AS Monaco ace
According to RMC Sport, United are in a 'three-way battle' with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain for AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
Generating increased levels of interest, Monaco may be tempted to offload Fofana in 2024, mindful of the fact his contract runs out in June 2025. It is reported that Juventus are currently at the 'forefront of the race' to secure his signature, but both United and PSG are interested.
OPINION: Blanc has already explained what would be key to turning United around
"His assessment of his work at Juventus was fair. While they had been relegated to Serie B, they managed to keep hold of Gianluigi Buffon and secured an immediate return to the top flight. From there they rebuilt and became a force once again. A similar job at United would be needed to save what feels like a sinking ship at present. Blanc's know-how when it comes to dealing with a club on a downward spiral would be incredibly useful. His experience of rectifying issues could be invaluable and Sir Jim Ratcliffe could do a lot worse as he looks to build his team."
Read more from Jack Flintham here.
Ratcliffe faces 'six to eight week wait' to get to work at United
According to a report by The Telegraph, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have to wait 'six to eight weeks' before he roll up his sleeves and get to work at United.
It is reported that the deal, which will see him lead Ineos' bid to secure a 25 per cent stake in the club, is very close to being completed, but it will then require ratification from the Premier League. That process is not likely to be done quickly, with a 'six to eight week wait' expected.
The report adds that Ratcliffe will not be allowed to pump money into the club until the deal has earned official approval from the Premier League.
United's next six fixtures
United will resume their campaign with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton after the international break on November 26.
The trip to Merseyside will mark the beginning of a relentless period for Erik ten Hag and his players, taking them right through to the end of the year. With that said, here is a quick reminder of what is on the horizon for the Reds...
- Everton (A) - Premier League - November 26
- Galatasaray (A) - Champions League - November 29
- Newcastle United (A) - Premier League - December 2
- Chelsea (H) - Premier League - December 6
- Bournemouth (H) - Premier League - December 9
- Bayern Munich (H) - Champions League - December 12
Scholes addresses Ratcliffe concern
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has admitted he cannot imagine the Glazer family handing full control of all football-related matters to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe is understood to be closing in on a 25 per cent stake in United through the Ineos Group. As part of the deal that will see Ineos land a minority stake, it has been widely reported that they will secure control of football operations, including recruitment.
Scholes, however, doubts that the Glazer's will surrender such control to a minority shareholder.
He told Webby & O'Neill:
"How are the Glazers not going to want a say at the top table when it comes to football decisions? Obviously you can draw up contracts, of course you can, but if stuff is then happening that they don't like, you're telling me they're not going to come to the table and have something to say about it? I'm sure they will. I just find it bizarre. It's obviously a stepping stone to him [Ratcliffe] taking over the club permanently, but how long that is going to be we don't know. And how much time has he got to try and get things right?"
What happened in behind-closed-doors friendly
United were held to a stalemate when they faced Hull City in a behind-closed-doors fixture this week.
A makeshift United side, including senior players not involved in international duty, faced Championship opposition at the club's Carrington training ground on Tuesday.
Antony, Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri were among the more notable players to feature in the game, with a host of academy talents also taking part.
Willy Kambwala, Toby Collyer and Joe Hugill were among the youngsters involved in the friendly fixture, which was being watched by a number of former academy players who had been invited to watch by the club.
The Manchester Evening News understands the match finished in a 1-1 draw between the two sides as Erik ten Hag looked to build match sharpness in those who have been on the periphery in recent weeks.
Antony was an unused substitute in United's 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen last week and only featured from the bench in the final 20 minutes of the weekend win over Luton.
