Sir Alex Ferguson breaks his silence on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his imminent £1.3bn investment at Man United... with the British billionaire set to seal his 25% stake at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson reveals he is feeling 'optimistic' about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending investment at Manchester United.

The British billionaire is still waiting to formalise a £1.3billion deal with the Glazer family for a 25 per cent stake.  

There had been growing expectation that his deal would finally be approved and confirmed by United during the November international break, but the date now looks to have been pushed back.

Once his investment has been confirmed, Ratcliffe will assume control of football operations and will look to stamp his authority on the club, making a raft of changes and will seek the advice of United's legendary manager Ferguson.

But ahead of Ratcliffe's imminent arrival, Ferguson was asked for his thoughts on Ratcliffe and his feeling on the takeover.

In an interview courtesy of Gambling Zone, Ferguson said: 'I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well. 

'We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic.'

Earlier this week, it was reported that Ratcliffe will ask Ferguson, 81, for advice and guidance as he plots an extensive overhaul of the football side.

This could boost Dougie Freedman's chances becoming United's new sporting director amid stiff competition.

The Scot, who currently fulfils a similar role at Crystal Palace, is a long-standing friend and ally of compatriot Ferguson. 

Freedman was formerly a neighbour of Ferguson in Cheshire before he took up his post at Palace in 2017.

Last week Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish heaped praise on Freedman, but insisted there have been no talks with Manchester United over a potential departure.

'You would have to get into the minds of those people (Manchester United decision makers) wouldn't you,' he told the Rest is Football. 

'I certainly don't think there's been any conversations. It's flattering for the club. 

'You guys live in the world where 50 per cent of the stories in the media are true. 50 per cent are not. We just don't know which ones yet.'