Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised to be “ambitious” at Manchester United, but admitted the need for “time and patience” in an open letter to the club's supporters.
Ratcliffe's company INEOS confirmed its 25 per cent minority investment in United on Sunday in a move that would see it take control of Old Trafford's football operations.
The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) has responded to news of the INEOS investment with “very mixed feelings” with the highly unpopular Glazer family only remaining in their positions and reducing their shareholding.
Ratcliffe, a childhood fan who has also pledged $300m (£245m) in “additional investment” to help modernize infrastructure including redeveloping the stadium, says he takes the responsibility of returning the club to past glories “very seriously”. “.
in A message posted by MUST on Tuesday, Ratcliffe said: “I wanted to write to you at this time given the crucial role fans play in the future of Manchester United, as we recognize our responsibility as trustees of the club on your behalf.
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“I believe we can achieve sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club enjoys. It will require time and patience coupled with precision and the highest level of professional management.
“You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, to the top of English, European and world football. I take this on.” Responsibility seriously.”
The investment remains subject to Premier League approval, and this process is likely to take between six and eight weeks.
“Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory signing process,” Ratcliffe added. He added: “Therefore, we do not expect to speak publicly about the club’s affairs until after the deal is completed.”
Manchester United, eighth in the English Premier League, will return to action against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
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