Sir Jim Ratcliffe to ask Sir Alex Ferguson for advice as he prepares huge overhaul at Man Utd after agreeing to take minority stake

The Daily Telegraph reports that Ratcliffe will speak with Ferguson as he finalises his plans to overhaul United's staff and squad. Dougie Freedman, a long-time ally of the former United boss, is the frontrunner to become sporting director at Old Trafford, while Ratcliffe is also expected to bring in Jean-Claude Blanc as the club's new sporting director. He already works for INEOS at Nice.

Ferguson is the last United manager to win a Premier League title, and the club have seen their reputation diminish since the Scot's retirement. United are said to be considering a number of sporting directors; they are also interested in appointing Atalanta's Lee Congerton, former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, and Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta.

Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions League titles, the European Cup Winners' Cup, the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup during his reign.

Since his retirement, United have managed to win the Europa League and the FA Cup once apiece, as well as the League Cup twice.

Erik ten Hag's side return to Premier League action on November 26 against Everton. They then face a crunch Champions League clash with Galatasaray in Turkey, as United are currently rock-bottom of Group A.