Sir Jim Ratcliffe targets two appointments at Manchester United with Glazers set to vote

Ratcliffe is a confessed United fan, despite trying and failing to purchase Chelsea before Todd Boehly's takeover last year.

With Sheikh Jassim no longer in the race to buy United, the 70-year-old has a clear path in front of him.

And 90min say Ratcliffe is already eyeing two appointments at the club.

It's claimed the INEOS chief would like to bring in Mitchell, who has forged a reputation as one of the best sporting directors in the world in recent years.

Mitchell impressed at MK Dons and helped Southampton establish themselves in the Premier League during his time at St Mary's.

The 42-year-old played a key role at Tottenham after arriving in 2014, working closely with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Players such as Dele Alli, Son Heung-min and Kieran Trippier were all recruits for bargain fees during his spell in north London.

And Mitchell has also worked with RB Leipzig and Monaco, too.

​Regarding Brailsford, the 59-year-old is poised to work at United and will be somebody Ratcliffe can 'lean on'.

The two have had a strong working relationship for a number of years.

Brailsford, who was recently appointed as INEOS director of sport, has also been the team principal of the firm's successful cycling team.

Initially, it had seemed Ratcliffe would struggle to compete with the wealth of Sheikh Jassim and Qatar.

However, by being savvy and refusing to criticise the Glazers, he's worked his way to the front on the race.

Ratcliffe is expected to start working on footballing matters at United as soon as next week.

There is, however, the possibility of a delay.

Ratcliffe wants guarantees that, by securing a 25 per cent share, he'd be able to buy the rest of United at a later date.

Should he fail to get the assurances he wants, it's therefore possible he'll walk away from the table.

The Glazers will vote on Ratcliffe's offer later this week.

All six siblings are poised to submit their final decision, with other board directors to be consulted as well.

Meanwhile, former United star Gary Neville has listed six 'non-negotiables' after the news of Ratcliffe's imminent investment broke on Saturday night.

"The news last night of the Qatari withdrawal leaves Manchester United on the brink of a minority investment," he said on X.

"Can this really work and what impact will it have on a struggling organisation?

"It’s worth setting out my non-negotiables on a takeover of Manchester United that I made over a year ago.

"1. A new sporting project.

"2. A new or redeveloped Old Trafford.

"3. A New training ground.

"4. Full redevelopment of the surrounding land to create a Manchester United World and amazing fan experience.

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"5. Pay off the debt and stop taking dividends until the above is done."

He then added: "6. The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game.

"Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the club's values and principles and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion in the club's public image.

"How does a minority stakeholder positively impact the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any impact on the above. It leaves more questions than answers.

"My preference is and always will be now for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact."