The first things Sir Jim Ratcliffe must address at Man Utd

It's the start of a new era for Manchester United.

Well, it should be at least. We've heard that saying so many times before that it's nearly lost all meaning.

But this isn't a change of manager or a fancy new signing. There is no man at the proverbial wheel nor one sitting at the physical piano.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has completed the purchase of a 25% stake in the club and is expected to have a major hand on the footballing side of things. You know, the main focus of what a football club is. The part that's often been neglected over the last decade or so.

What's on his in tray to begin with? Which issues should take priority? How can he ensure he gets on the right foot with the fans?

Here's what Ratcliffe needs to solve first and foremost.

United had previously announced CEO Richard Arnold would be stepping aside, bringing an end to a 16-year stay at the club.

In his place, Patrick Stewart was promoted to interim CEO while the club searches for a permanent successor. Stewart joined United in 2006 as their chief legal officer and general counsel, and has usually been the club's representative during Premier League shareholder meetings. You'd be forgiven for not knowing him until recently.

The timing of such a change does not feel coincidental and marries up to Ratcliffe's arrival. What he needs to make sure of is who is in charge on the football side.

reported in October that Ratcliffe is keen to install a new three-man leadership committee consisting of himself, co-chairman Joel Glazer and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, famed for his work in elite cycling.

There's also the matter of a new director of football, with the incumbent John Murtough (whose official job title is confusingly 'football director') tipped to be