Whether Ten Hag and Ratcliffe will work with Blanc, Freeman, Mitchell or Brailsford or a combination of the quartet remains to be determined but with the INEOS chief’s purchase to be confirmed next week, it marks a new era for United.

Although the Glazers still take majority ownership, having confirmed a year ago that they would consider a sale as the unpopular family continues to face protests from supporters.

Sheikh Jassim had attempted to reach terms over a full sake that would see the Glazers leave Old Trafford, but he was unable to find a compromise with the current owners and pulled out – paving the way for Ratcliffe to become a minority owner through his 25 per cent purchase.