Sir Alex Ferguson set to play role in future of Man Utd after Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchase

The British billionaire will immediately take charge of football operations at Old Trafford, with a club a shadow of the team it used to be.

Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles during his glittering spell in the dugout before retiring in 2013.

Yet United have fallen off a cliff over the past decade, securing just four pieces of silverware.

To make matters worse, fierce rivals Manchester City are now the country's dominant force having won the treble last season.

According to the Telegraph, Ratcliffe will look to make an instant impression at United.

It's claimed he's set to lean on Ferguson for advice and guidance over certain matters at the club.

This may include helping to a choose a new director of football, with John Murtough's position at the club currently 'vulnerable'.

Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman could replace Murtough in the role.

The Eagles have secured shrewd deals for the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise in recent years.

Ferguson has been impressed by Freedman as a result, though he isn't the only figure being considered behind the scenes.

Atalanta's Lee Congerton is another option, with the Serie A side punching well above their weight over in Italy.

Former AC Milan pair Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are under consideration, too.

And Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta is another figure who is believed to be held in high regard.

Amid Ratcliffe's impending arrival, United chief Richard Arnold has stepped down as chief executive.

Arnold has held the position since the departure of Ed Woodward last year.

Yet with United still adrift of their rivals, he's now opted to walk away ahead of Ratcliffe's purchase.

Arnold announced his decision by saying: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years.

"Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans.

"I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.”

And United chief Joel Glazer also wished Arnold well for the future.

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“I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours," he said.

"We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.”

Patrick Stewart, who is stepping in for Arnold on an interim basis, added: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”