Sir Alex Ferguson gives his verdict on Man Utd's imminent minority shareholder deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

The INEOS billionaire is set to conclude his deal with the Red Devils in the coming weeks, which will bring an end to a saga that has was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. The uncertainty that has ensued has manifested in some abject performances on the pitch, but Ferguson believes the owner of OGC Nice can do great things at United.

Ferguson, in an interview courtesy of Gambling Zone, said: "I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."

While Ferguson continues to enjoy a boardroom role ahead of Ratcliffe's arrival, other higher-ups have not been so fortunate, as Britain's richest man sets about a boardroom shake-up behind-the-scenes. Chief executive Richard Arnold will step down from his role before the end of the year, while director of football John Murtough also looks set to leave after 10 years at the club. For now, though, it seems manager Erik ten Hag's job is safe.

As the takeover saga drags on longer still, matters return to improving performances on the pitch after a break for international football. Ten Hag will lead his United side out against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, where they will look to gain ground on fifth-placed Aston Villa.