Incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to start work at Manchester United on Monday.
Ratcliffe is buying a 25 per cent shareholding in United for a mooted 1.5bn.
The Mirror says Ratcliffe will assume his responsibilities at Old Trafford as soon as Monday morning.
Ratcliffe will have a hands-on role in United's footballing operations and be supported by Sir Dave Brailsford, who has operated closely with Ratcliffe in his other sporting ventures, including French club Nice.
The pair will be heavily involved in the planning for the January market.