‘Many Questions At Stake’ – Ratcliffe Takeover Leaves Fans ‘Sceptical’ 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquisition of a minority ownership in Manchester United has prompted ‘many questions’ from the club’s supporters.

Weeks of negotiations came to a surprise conclusion on Christmas Eve, when the United board confirmed the sale and detailed the role of new minority owner Ratcliffe. The INEOS chief will take control of the club’s football operations and provide $300 million (£237m) for stadium improvements. Despite the news, United fans — many of whom are vehemently opposed to the Glazer family’s ownership of the club — reacted sceptically and called for key questions to be addressed.

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In response to the announcement, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said in a statement: “During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our Club. When the so-called Strategic Review was announced nearly a year ago, it finally appeared that the sale of the club was on the horizon, potentially bringing the new investment and new direction MUFC so clearly needs.

“Against that backdrop, fans have very mixed feelings today. We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumoured 25%. We note the statements that he and his team will control sporting activities, yet puzzle how any organisation can put its very core business in the hands of a minority shareholder, and how that meaningfully works in practice.

“It is now incumbent on the Club’s owners and management to properly explain how this new structure will work, where the new investment will be directed and how it will benefit the team on the field. As the Supporters Trust, we expect to have discussions with the Club management and the INEOS team in the near future to understand their plans, and to put to them the very many questions fans have today.

“Today might – just might – be a step forward for Manchester United after some very difficult years. But with the Glazers still in charge, people should understand that United fans will remain sceptical and wait for the proof in the pudding.”

Although fans should be excited by lifelong supporter Ratcliffe’s debt-free acquisition, promised investment, and commitment to bring “knowledge, expertise, and talent” to revive the club’s failing performance structures, it’s understandable that some might have questions given the odd nature of the agreement.

The contentious 18-year ownership of the United team by the Glazer family was expected to end with the strategic review announced in November, as United fans had great expectations. Instead, they now have a creative structure that maintains the unpopular owners.

The terraces and concourses of Old Trafford will be buzzing with discussion about today’s announcement when United host Aston Villa in the traditional round of Boxing Day fixtures.