‘Mixed feelings’ - Manchester United Supporters Trust request ‘explanation’ after Sir Jim Ratcliffe investment

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) have called for an ‘explanation’ from the club’s board following the news that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority acquisition of the club has been completed.

The news broke on Christmas Eve that the £1bn investment from the Ineos lead shareholder has been agreed for 25 percent of the club's shares, although it will take a few weeks for the deal to be officially ratified after all the necessary regulatory approvals are complete.

Ratcliffe and his Ineos delegation will take ownership of the football operations at Old Trafford despite being minority shareholders, with the Glazers remaining majority owners. That’s an unusual arrangement and MUST have requested further details of how this partnership will work, while they’ve also expressed their disappointment that the Glazers will remain involved in the club in any capacity.

In a statement, MUST said: “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.”