Newcastle are poised to appoint Steve Bruce as manager on Friday.
The 58-year-old Sheffield Wednesday boss was given permission to talk to United MD Lee Charnley and the two clubs are negotiating a compensation fee.
Bruce is ready to face a Tyneside storm, with fans disillusioned by his imminent appointment, and accusing owner Mike Ashley, who also considered Sam Allardyce last week, of lacking ambition.
Bruce will immediately oversee transfer spending, with a new striker a priority.
United face competition from Wolves for top target Hoffenheim's £30m man Joelinton.
Newcastle would like Bruce on the club's flight to China on Saturday and in charge of his first friendly game against Wolves on Wednesday in the Asia Trophy.
Bruce visited his bosses at Hillsborough on Thursday to discuss his departure, and was driven away at lunch time.
Barring last ditch snags, Bruce could be at St James's Park tackling the club's problems by Friday afternoon.
He will inherit a squad who will need lifting after Rafa Benitez's departure.
However he is likely to be more positive about their abilities than the Spaniard who caused consternation in the dressing room by publicly doubting their ability, and saying it would be a miracle if they stayed in the Premier League.
Visa issues have to be overcome if Bruce and his staff, Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence, are to make it to Shanghai next week.
