After weeks of negotiations, the United board surprisingly concluded the sale on Christmas Eve, unveiling new minority owner Ratcliffe’s role. INEOS’s head will assume control of the club’s football operations and inject $300 million (£237m) for stadium enhancements. However, despite this news, many United fans, staunchly against the Glazer family’s ownership, reacted with scepticism, demanding crucial inquiries to be addressed.
Responding to the announcement, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) expressed, “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.”
While Ratcliffe’s debt-free acquisition, committed investment, and vow to revitalize the club’s faltering performance systems might excite fans, the unconventional nature of the deal understandably triggers doubts.
United fans initially hoped the strategic review last November would terminate the controversial 18-year Glazer family ownership. Instead, they face a novel arrangement that retains the unpopular owners.
The upcoming match against Aston Villa on Boxing Day at Old Trafford will undoubtedly see fervent discussions about today’s announcement echoing through the terraces and concourses.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 8th in the Premier League with 28 points.
In the last 18 games, it has won 9 times, drawn once, and lost 8 times. In its last match, Manchester United lost 2-0 against West Ham United.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 18 goals and conceding 23.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Aston Villa on Tuesday 26th of December in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester UnitedAston Villa winning the match.