Sir Jim Ratcliffe's expected investment in United prompts billboard to be erected reminiscent of Carlos Tevez's transfer to Man City

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's imminent investment in Manchester United hasn't been confirmed yet, but the British billionaire is already welcoming fans to the city after appearing on an advertising board.

Ratcliffe is still waiting to have his £1.3billion investment in the 13-time Premier League champions signed off and optimistic supporters have given him their seal of approval.

Manchester's sporting relationship with advertising boards is well known to both United and Man City, with Carlos Tevez once antagonising Old Trafford after joining City.

Man City unveiled Tevez as their newest high-profile recruit of the Abu Dhabi spending revolution by plastering an advertising board with a picture of the Argentinian alongside the words 'welcome to Manchester'.

The unofficial image of Ratcliffe is now being used in similar fashion after a board was erected near Old Trafford showcasing the expected new investor.

The sign that has been erected alongside a road near the club's stadium features Ratcliffe with his arm stretched out and reading 'welcome to Manchester'.

It isn't as big as the wall art that Tevez celebrated his transfer to the Etihad with in 2009 just a year after winning the Premier League and Champions League with United, but is still prominent next to the main road.

The INEOS chief is closing in on securing his 25 per cent stake in United, after beating competition to invest in the club.

Ratcliffe wants to target homegrown talent over foreign stars after Mail Sport exclusively revealed his early plans and targets for success at United.

However, confirmation of his investment is still waiting to be confirmed with lawyers painstakingly analysing every detail before the green light is given for shares to be transferred.