Sir Jim Ratcliffe's grim verdict on Casemiro and Raphael Varane could lead to Manchester United exits

Incoming Manchester United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe does not rate the signings of Raphael Varane and Casemiro, talkSPORT understands.

The British billionaire will buy 25 per cent of the Red Devils in a £1.25billion deal that is set to be ratified in the coming days.

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But despite not getting his foot through the door at Old Trafford just yet, the INEOS owner's views are already having an influence on the club.

Ratcliffe is expected to call the shots on the footballing side of things when he formally receives his stake.

Now, talkSPORT understands the 71-year-old isn't convinced by the recent signings of two stars in particular - Varane and Casemiro.

Both players signed from Real Madrid, with Varane joining in 2021 for £34m and Casemiro arriving a year later for £60m.

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But despite the pair helping United to their first trophy in six years last season by winning the Carabao Cup, Ratcliffe considers both players - who recently entered their thirties - to be poor recruitment decisions.

talkSPORT understands manager Erik ten Hag has fallen out with Varane and Ratcliffe's verdict could be the final straw for both the defender and Casemiro, who has struggled for form this season.

Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Varane, while Casemiro has offers from Saudi Arabia ahead of the January transfer window.

Ratcliffe is making a shortlist of people to bring in as sporting director, including ex-Tottenham chief Paul Mitchell.

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CEO Richard Arnold has also confirmed he'll be leaving the club, with Ratcliffe being the one to remove him as part of the billionaire's plan.

But alongside giving his views on players and making structural changes behind the scenes, Ratcliffe also faces the issue of a possible Man United ban in the Champions League next season.