Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already done what the Glazers would not do: he has communicated with Manchester United fans.
After 13 months of tortuous takeover discussions, Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a minority share at Old Trafford was confirmed on Christmas Eve, and it was the ideal present for fans.
Ratcliffe has invested roughly £1.25 billion in the club, and INEOS will be in charge of managing football operations across the men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
Ratcliffe has invested roughly £1.25 billion in the club, and INEOS will be in charge of managing football operations across the men’s, women’s, and academy teams.
The 71-year-old wants to hire some of the industry’s brightest minds for boardroom positions, and he believes that making sound judgments and spending prudently in the transfer market would offer United the best chance of success.
A brighter future should be ahead, but supporters have expressed mixed sentiments about the announcement, with some anxious about the Glazers’ continued participation.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust expressed those concerns, and to his credit, Ratcliffe replied by drafting a letter, which he claims he authored entirely on his own with no assistance from his communications team.
“I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf,” Ratcliffe said in a statement.
“I believe we can bring sporting success on the field to complement the club’s undeniable commercial success.”
“It will take time, patience, rigor, and the highest level of professional management.” You and Manchester United are both ambitious.
“There are no guarantees in sport, and change takes time, but we are in it for the long haul, and we want to work together to return Manchester United to its rightful place at the top of English, European, and global football.”
“I take that obligation very seriously.” Please keep in mind that, like with any transaction, it is subject to the standard regulatory approval procedure, and we do not anticipate to communicate publicly on club affairs until the [minority takeover] transaction is finished.”
As stated in the letter, Ratcliffe’s contract must still be approved by the Premier League, which can take six to eight weeks, but he has already begun discussions with supporters.
