Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already caused Manchester United contract U-Turn

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is closing in on an investment of 25 per cent into Manchester United in the coming weeks.

The British billionaire has appeared to come out on top in a race against a Qatari consortium led by Sheikh Jassim.

His restructured bid means that he will only have a minority stake in United at the start, however, that will come with a high level of control over the sporting decisions at Old Trafford.

It has already been reported that the likes of Richard Arnold and John Murtough could be replaced in their roles as CEO and Sporting Director.

And Ratcliffe’s incoming already seems to be influencing the decision-making around the squad at the club.

Latest reports from the Daily Mail have stated that United are now more likely to look at extending Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s current contract by triggering the 12-month extension clause just months after it was believed that the right-back was discussing a new long-term deal at the club.

It was suggested that the idea could be revisited in 2024, however, it would make sense for United to hold off on extending player contracts until Ratcliffe and his new team are in place, although the defender’s current injury could’ve also played a part in this decision.

With reports that Ratcliffe is looking to bring in someone like Paul Mitchell to help lead the sporting department at the club, a delayed long-term contract would allow the new personnel to assess whether they believe the former Crystal Palace defender suited their plans.

By triggering the clause in his current contract, it would also ensure a level of security so that the club could also get a fee if they decided against keeping him.

Of course, this sentiment applies to the vast majority of the squad.

The idea also falls in line with reports that Ratcliffe is looking to withhold power in the transfer market from Erik ten Hag, after many have criticised the strategy in the market from the Dutchman since he took over.

Ratcliffe’s method of coming into the club still has question marks over it, but with his Ineos team coming in, it would make sense for United to wait for their assessment of the squad before making any major moves.