Sir Jim Ratcliffe might have to wait until the latter part of the January transfer window before his arrival at Manchester United gets the official nod.

The British billionaire’s £1.4 billion bid for a 25% stake in the club is pending approval from the Glazer family, alongside a nod from the Premier League. This approval process could span up to eight weeks, implying Ratcliffe might not step into Old Trafford until mid-January.

This delay deals a significant blow to United’s winter transfer strategies, especially considering Ratcliffe’s keenness to revamp the club’s recruitment approach entirely. The INEOS owner intended to collaborate closely with Erik ten Hag to assess necessary squad changes, but these plans may now need postponing until summer.

During takeover discussions earlier in the year, Ratcliffe reportedly criticized the club’s history in recruitment and proposed ways to enhance their transfer policies. He specifically pinpointed the signing of Casemiro as an imprudent move due to the player’s age, the hefty transfer fee, and his salary.

Upon his arrival, Ratcliffe and his team are expected to assume complete control of all football operations at the club. Already, shifts seem underway with the recent departure of long-time CEO Richard Arnold, and more senior figures are anticipated to follow suit in the weeks ahead.

The Red Devils are in dire need of a lift following a turbulent start to the 2023/24 season. Despite winning four of their last five Premier League matches, the campaign has been marred by poor form, off-field controversies, and injury setbacks.

With six domestic defeats, including a humbling 3-0 loss against Manchester City, and three defeats in four Champions League matches, the atmosphere around Old Trafford is notably somber. Fans are urging the club to engage in the January transfer market for reinforcements, though it seems they’ll have to do so without Sir Jim’s immediate involvement.