Man Utd's new leader writes letter to fans

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who will run Man Utd's professional operations, called on fans to be patient and promised to return the club to its glory days.

"I want to write to you now to emphasise the role of the fans in the future of Man Utd. We understand our responsibility as your representatives to look after the club. I believe we can help the club succeed on the pitch, as we are achieving commercially. This takes time and patience, alongside discipline and management at the highest professional level," Ratcliffe wrote in the letter published by Man Utd fan club MUST on December 26.

Ratcliffe pledges to bring Man Utd back to the top after buying back 25% of the club's shares. Photo: Reuters — Ratcliffe pledges to bring Man Utd back to the top after buying back 25% of the club's shares. Photo: *Reuters*

Ratcliffe bought 25% of Man Utd shares on December 25, thereby taking control of football operations. The richest man in England is expected to bring Man Utd back to its glory days. It is known that Ratcliffe has been a Man Utd fan since childhood. The company he used to buy shares in the club is called Trawlers Limited, named after a famous quote by legendary former striker Eric Cantona.

MUST (the Official Independent Supporters Club of Manchester United) responded negatively to the news of Ratcliffe acquiring Man Utd shares. Many were pessimistic that the Glazers would remain in control and only reduce their stake in the club. Therefore, Ratcliffe decided to write to the club. His letter was posted on MUST's X page, which has 58,000 followers.

"You have high expectations of Man Utd and so do we. In sport, nothing is certain. Change takes time, it is inevitable. But we have started this work with a long-term plan. Together, we want to return Man Utd to the position the club belongs to, at the top of England, Europe and the world. I take that responsibility extremely seriously," Ratcliffe affirmed.

Ratcliffe's investment in Man Utd is still awaiting Premier League approval and could take six to eight weeks. Ratcliffe has urged fans to wait for the legal process to be completed and said he did not want to speak publicly about the club's affairs until an official announcement of the takeover was made.

Man Utd just defeated Aston Villa 3-2 in round 19 of the Premier League. They were eliminated from the European Cup this season due to finishing bottom of the Champions League. Man Utd also stopped in the League Cup - the tournament they won last year - so they only compete in the Premier League and FA Cup. In round 20 on December 30, Erik ten Hag's team will visit Nottingham Forest.

Duy Doan (according to Athletic )

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