Man Utd takeover: This is what Sir Jim Ratcliffe told Manchester United Supporters’ Trust & co

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has written to Manchester United fans following the news of his 25 per cent stake in Manchester United.

On Christmas Eve, Ratcliffe promised Manchester United fans that he will continue to invest funds into the club, as an agreement to purchase 25 percent of the Red Devils was finally confirmed. And now Ratcliffe has written to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, the Fans’ Forum and the Fans’ Advisory Board.

Ratcliffe wrote: "I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf. I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed.

“It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management. You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and world football.

“I take that responsibility very seriously. Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about club matters until after the deal is completed."

News broke at 4pm on Christmas Eve that the British billionaire’s $1.3bn (£1.03bn) bid had finally been agreed, although it will now be referred to the Premier League’ Owners’ and Directors’ Test, meaning it could take around six to eight weeks before the deal can be officially confirmed.