Over a year after the Glazers put out the feelers for fresh investment in Manchester United, the announcement came on Christmas Eve that Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group are in the closing stages of acquiring a 25% stake in the club.
Ratcliffe, who grew up in Manchester, is among the richest men in the world, and his interest in acquiring United has been reported since the potential takeover process began.
There are some doubts as to how much control Ratcliffe and his team will have over the operations of the club, but their remit is understood to include full control of the footballing side of the club.
With Manchester United faltering on the pitch this season - they have more defeats than victories in all competitions - fans will be hoping for fresh investment, and it seems as though the sporting department have already identified a potential signing in what has been a problem area for the club in recent seasons.
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Crystal Palace's Michael Olise linked with Manchester United move
The Evening Standard reported on Wednesday that Crystal Palace right-winger Michael Olise has been identified as the first transfer target of the Jim Ratcliffe era at Manchester United.
Just 22, Olise has been one of the brightest sparks in an exciting young Palace attack in recent seasons - with perhaps his most memorable moment thus far for the Eagles coming with his stunning stoppage-time equaliser against United in January last year.
The Standard suggests that Manchester United are prepared to wait until the summer to make a move for Olise - something which would make sense for two crucial reasons.
Firstly, many reports suggest that United are set to be held back by Financial Fair Play restrictions in the January transfer window, and will need to sell players before making any new signings. Even then, the priority is to find another striker to work alongside youngster Rasmus Hojlund.
The second - and perhaps more attractive reason - is that a release clause has been written into the contract which Olise recently signed at Selhurst Park. Though it is understood to demand a substantial fee, it would make prying Olise from Palace an easier prospect - though it will only come into effect in the summer transfer window.
Olise's performances for Palace have marked him out as one of the most exciting young attackers in the Premier League. Despite being sidelined until November through injury, Olise has still managed five goals and an assist in nine games since returning, including an early goal-of-the-season contender against Luton Town.
His proficiency on the right wing would be a huge boost to Manchester United should he make the move to Old Trafford.
The right flank is an area where United have struggled to find the right fit ever since the departure of Alex Ferguson as manager. The likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata, and Daniel James have all tried and failed to fill the void in recent years, while Antony continues to be an unpopular figure and has underwhelmed significantly since arriving for big money from Ajax.
Manchester United may have to wait for Michael Olise but, if they can acquire the 22-year-old Crystal Palace man, they may well have a star on their hands.
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