Sir Jim Ratcliffe's four biggest priorities after £1.3bn Man Utd deal is finally confirmed

It has taken more than a year but the “strategic alternatives” explored by the Glazer family since November 2022 has finally translated to Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchasing 25 per cent of Manchester United for approximately £1.3bn.

And the Ineos chief is set to make his mark by taking control of the club’s football operations - once the Premier League approve the deal and Britain's second richest man passes their owners and directors' test.

Chief executive Richard Arnold has already confirmed he is leaving United, set to be replaced by a man of Ineos’ choosing, while director of football John Murtough could also be heading out the door.

Ineos are certain to be proactive but their in-tray is a heavy one and here are the biggest priorities for Ratcliffe’s team to sort once they get the Premier League's green light.

The most contentious element of Ineos’ partial takeover is the reality that Avram and Joel Glazer will maintain a majority stakeholder for now when fans had been begging for their departure.

For obvious reasons that will infuriate many supporters, the arrangement brings some uncertainty. It is deeply unusual for a minority shareholder to be calling the big shots and Ineos (because history indicates the Glazers will not) could do far worse than providing a clear explanation of how responsibilities will be split.

As Rio Ferdinand told Mirror Football recently: “Most fans were sitting there thinking, ‘Right we’re going to get new owners.’ Everyone thought [the Glazers] would either go or they’ll still be here. Most fans wanted a new ownership.

“Communication is vital. If Mr Ratcliffe is coming in and wants to hit the ground running, show some signs of influence, one of the key areas he needs to zone into is communication with