Ratcliffe asks Man United fans for ‘patience’ in open letter

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has written to Manchester United fans asking for “time and patience” following the announcement of his minority investment at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe, chairman of chemicals company INEOS, has struck a deal to buy a 25% stake for around £1 billion ($1.3 billion).

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As part of the deal, INEOS will take responsibility for all football-related operations, but Ratcliffe has warned supporters that after a decade of decline, success is unlikely to return overnight.

“I wanted to write to you at this time given the crucial role of fans in the future of Manchester United as we recognize our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf,” Ratcliffe wrote in an open letter to the Manchester United United Supporters Trust. MUST).

“I believe we can bring sporting success to the field to complement the undoubted commercial success the club has enjoyed. This will take time and patience, as well as rigor and the highest level of professional management.”

Ratcliffe's arrival is the first major ownership change since the Glazer family takeover in 2005. Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc are expected to take INEOS' seats on the football club's board, with both men due to spend time at Carrington in January. The investment is still subject to regulatory approvals, which could take up to eight weeks.

“You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we,” Ratcliffe added in his open letter.

“There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time, but we are in this for the long term and together we want to help return Manchester United to where the club is at the pinnacle of English football , European and global. … I take this responsibility very seriously.

“Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory approval process and we therefore do not plan to speak publicly about the club's affairs until the deal is completed.”