Sir Bobby Charlton is set to become a victim of Malcolm Glazer's ruthless overhaul of Manchester United.
Their most revered player could be exiled by the new Old Trafford owner's radical vision for the club.
The revelation will infuriate United fans opposed to Glazer's takeover and also anger boss Sir Alex Ferguson, for whom Sir Bobby has become a close confidante during his 18-year reign in charge.
While Fergie has publicly revealed his desire to develop a working relationship with the Glazers, he is opposed to radical change and would not want to see key figures like Sir Bobby, who made a record 606 appearances for the club, suddenly jettisoned.
But Glazer has wasted no time in pushing through his first changes at the club and more are expected to follow in the coming weeks as he seeks to assert his control.
Already plc chairman Sir Roy Gardner and fellow directors Jim O'Neill and Ian Much have resigned from the board, paving the way for him to appoint his three sons to start exerting control.
Last night Sir Bobby was unavailable to comment on the latest developments at Old Trafford.