According to UK newspaper the Financial Times, Gardner will replace Professor Sir Roland Smith, with the appointment likely to be announced at the club’s AGM on November 15.
Gardner was reportedly selected by the appointments committee and the decision now awaits ratification by the club's board. The club is expected to replace Smith in March of 2002.
In addition, the United board has finally met the Irish horse racing millionaires John Magnier and JP McManus, who recently upped their stake in the club to eight percent.
It is thought that both parties are looking to increase their stakes in the club at a future date.
