The Ineos chief is on the verge of confirming the acquisition of his 25 per cent stake in the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to lean on Sir Alex Ferguson for advice one he buys a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United Credit: Getty

Ratcliffe wants to re-shape football operations at United Credit: AFP

He will take over control of the football structure and is set to make sweeping changes.

CEO Richard Arnold stepped down from his position this week and Ineos Sport guru Jean-Claude Blanc is expected to take over.

And Ferguson is expected to assist Ratcliffe by providing advice and guidance over some matters, according to The Telegraph.

Fergie could help Ratcliffe pick a new director of football with incumbent John Murtough expected to leave along with director of football operations David Harrison.

A number of names have been linked to the director of football role including Dougie Freedman, who is understood to be close to Ferguson.

The Crystal Palace chief used to be a neighbour and the Scots have remained friendly.

Freedman also has a successful track record in south London having found and signed the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise for the Eagles.

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is also understood to be in the running for the job.

While Atalanta Head of Recruitment Lee Congerton and Atletico Madrid’s Andre Berta are reportedly under consideration.

However United might have to wait until January to make any change because there will be a six to eight week wait from the takeover being announced to Ratcliffe’s deal being given the all clear from the Premier League.