Erik ten Hag welcomes Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has welcomed confirmation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will soon become a minority shareholder at the club.
United agreed a £1.
25bn deal on Christmas Eve with INEOS chairman Ratcliffe taking a 25% stake in the Premier League club, with more than £236m invested in redeveloping the debt-ridden club’s infrastructure.
Then he announced.
On Tuesday, INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford watched United recover from a 2-0 deficit to beat leaders Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford.
It was a game that showcased some of the best and worst elements of their game during a volatile season in which Ten Hag were feeling the heat.

But the Dutchman said he was looking forward to working with INEOS, who will be responsible for United’s football operations under the terms of the deal.
“I think it’s a positive thing for the club for them to step in,” Ten Hag said.
“They have extensive experience in the highest levels of sport, including F1 (with Mercedes), cycling teams and other football clubs (Nice and Lausanne), so we will rely on them to support us in achieving our goals.
That can only help us.
” “They look forward to working with us, and we look forward to working with them.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ratcliffe wrote to fans, saying he was taking his responsibility to return the club to the top of world football “very seriously” but asking for patience.

Mr Ratcliffe has now written to the Manchester United Supporters Trust, Supporters Forum and Supporters Advisory Committee, insisting that INEOS is “committed for the long term”, but that on-pitch success “takes time”.
“It requires patience,” he said.
“We wanted to write to you at this time because, given the important role that fans play in the future of Manchester United, we recognize our responsibility as guardians of the club on their behalf.
” ” wrote Ratcliffe, reflecting on the range of emotions expressed at Christmas.
At the celebration, Yves released a statement outlining his ambitions for the club.
“We believe that the club’s undisputed commercial success can be complemented by sporting success on the pitch.
” “It takes time, patience, care and the best.
Requires a level of professional management.

They are ambitious about Manchester United and so are we.
There are no guarantees in sport and change inevitably takes time, but we are committed to the long term and we want Manchester United to be a club at the top of English, European and world football.
We would like to support you in your return.
“I take this responsibility very seriously.
“As with any transaction, this transaction is subject to the normal regulatory approval process and as such, I will not be responsible for any club matters until the transaction is completed.
Please note that you are not expected to speak publicly.
” Approval is understood to be Premier League Mr Ratcliffe’s investment could take four to six weeks.

Mr Ratcliffe, 71, who was born in nearby Failsworth and has been a United fan since childhood, agreed to take a stake in the club after 13 months of ownership.
The club’s US-based owners, the Glazer family, have announced their intention to conduct a strategic review of their options, including a potential sale, in November 2022.

Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim were both candidates to take over the club by October.
Mr Sheikh Jassim withdrew his bid for full control of the club on 14 October and Mr Ratcliffe shifted his focus to acquiring a significant minority stake.