FROM OUR UNITED EXPERTS: WHAT JIM NEEDS TO DO

1. Chris Wheeler GET RIGHT PLAYERS IN

United have blown more than £1billion on failed signings over the last decade, with Jadon Sancho’s return to Dortmund this week the latest case in point. As FFP bites, the club need a slicker recruitment system to get it right.

...AND WRONG PLAYERS OUT

Too many older or average players on big deals have bloated the squad. United are being more ruthless over offering Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane automatic contract extensions. Keep on going.

MAKE THE RIGHT STADIUM CALL

As a boyhood fan, Ratcliffe knows the emotional pull of Old Trafford. As a hardheaded businessman, he will recognise the goldmine of a brand new stadium like Tottenham’s. It’s a huge decision that he and the Glazers can’t afford to get wrong.

GIVE ERIK TIME

New owners have a tendency to bring in a new manager and Erik ten Hag has given Ineos enough ammunition to make a change. Judge him on his first season, not just the first half of a chaotic second term. It might pay off.

2. Anthony Hay LEAD FROM THE FRONT

It’s not hard for Sir Jim to improve on the Glazer family’s dreadful attendance record but the Manchester United faithful want more than that. Ratcliffe must go to games regularly to show he cares about the club.

HIRE THE BEST IN CLASS

Ratcliffe must hire the best in class when it comes to key appointments such as a director of football. Enticing Dan Ashworth from Newcastle would be a good start.

MAKE CLUB BUSINESS SAVVY

United have an awful track record when it comes to selling their misfits. Squad players should not be sold on the cheap.

TARGET YOUNGER PLAYERS

The club must target players in their peak. Forking out large sums on Casemiro and Raphael Varane was a mistake as they are injury-prone and will soon need replacing.

BE RUTHLESS

Ratcliffe wouldn’t have become one of Britain’s richest men without being a ruthless operator. He must continue that trait at United. Erik ten Hag has to be sacked if fortunes don’t improve.

3. Nathan Salt STOP BUYING EXPENSIVE DUDS

United have been schooled by rivals in recent years. They need to target players who will go up in value for a change.

FIX THE ROOF

Don’t think a weather transformation to rid Manchester of rain is coming any time soon. Get the leaky roof fixed — it’s ridiculous.

FIND A GOALSCORER

This is imperative and can drastically lift the gloom. The fans remember the great strikers of the past... yet they’ve watched Odion Ighalo, Wout Weghorst, Anthony Martial and others flounder of late. It’s pitiful how few goals United score.

TRUST THE PLAN

All signs point to Ratcliffe establishing a hierarchy of his trusted lieutenants — including Sir Dave Brailsford — to whip United into shape. It could take time but he has to trust it will work long-term.

YOU CAN WIN WITH KIDS

United are on the cusp of a 250th academy starlet breaking into the first team — but few seem to stick around for long. A rich history of talented youngsters can help reshape a future at United — and change the mood of the fans in equal measure.