Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman of chemical giant INEOS, has penned a letter to Manchester United fans, urging them to exercise “time and patience” in the wake of his recent £1 billion ($1.3bn) investment, acquiring a 25% stake at Old Trafford.
In the open letter addressed to the Manchester United Supporters Trust (M.U.S.T.), Ratcliffe acknowledged the pivotal role of the fans in the club’s future.
He emphasized the responsibility of INEOS as custodians, expressing a commitment to bringing on-field success while recognizing the club’s remarkable commercial achievements.
Ratcliffe, mindful of the club’s decade-long decline, cautioned against expecting immediate success, stating, “It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.”
This move marks a significant shift in ownership, the first major change since the Glazer Family’s takeover in 2005. The INEOS seats on the club’s football board are expected to be filled by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, who are set to spend time at Carrington in January.
However, the investment is still pending regulatory approvals, a process that may extend up to eight weeks.
In the letter, Ratcliffe reassured fans of shared ambitions, stating, “You are ambitious for Manchester United, and so are we.”
He acknowledged the uncertainties inherent in sports, emphasizing a long-term commitment to helping the club reclaim its position at the pinnacle of English, European, and World Football.
Ratcliffe concluded with a reminder that the deal is subject to regulatory approval, signalling an intention to refrain from public discussions about club matters until the deal’s completion.
The overarching message encourages a collective understanding of the transformative journey ahead, grounded in patience and a steadfast commitment to restoring Manchester United to its rightful place in football prominence.
