MX23RW : Wednesday, May 8 06:04:27| >> :120:26992:26992:

Manchester United Supporters' Trust have "very mixed feelings" over Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover

Man United Supporters' Trust have
© Reuters
Manchester United Supporters' Trust have "very mixed feelings" over Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% takeover of the club, with the Glazers remaining as majority stakeholders.

Manchester United Supporters' Trust have revealed their "very mixed feelings" following the announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover of the club.

The INEOS chairman has purchased 25% of the Red Devils for around £1.2bn and will take control of the footballing operations on the red side of Manchester.

Billionaire Ratcliffe has promised over £230m of investment into Man United in the coming years, including upgrades to the playing squad and improvements to Old Trafford.

The agreement between Ratcliffe and the Glazer family needs to be ratified by the Premier League before the new stakeholders can get to work - a process which could take up to eight weeks.

Shortly after an announcement was made by Man United on Christmas Eve, MUST released a statement outlining their feelings following the high-profile news.

Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives for the annual Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo on July 18, 2022© Reuters

"During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our club," read a statement on the trust's website.

"So 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.

Manchester United fans display a banner in protest against the Glazer family's ownership of the club on June 27, 2023© Reuters

"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."

Man United supporters have been protesting for the departure of the Glazer Family from the club, but Sunday's announcement confirms that they will still have a key involvement in affairs at Old Trafford.

On the pitch, Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at West Ham United as they welcome title-chasing Aston Villa to Manchester on Boxing Day.

ID:532120:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4839:

Manchester United takeover - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Brentford forward Ivan Toney celebrates scoring against Newcastle United on April 8, 2023
Read Next:
Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'to sanction £140m Man United move for Toney, Guehi'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!