da fezbet： Manchester United fans have called for 'many questions' to be answered after Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake in the club.
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Supporters group raises questions over takeoverCall for talks with incoming INEOS groupFans remain 'sceptical' while Glazers remainWHAT HAPPENED?
Weeks of negotiations came to a surprise conclusion on Christmas Eve, when the United board confirmed the sale and detailed the role of new minority owner Ratcliffe. The INEOS chief will take control of the club's football operations and provide $300 million (£237m) for stadium improvements. Despite the news, United fans — many of whom are vehemently opposed to the Glazer family's ownership of the club — reacted sceptically and called for key questions to be addressed.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT THE MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS TRUST SAID
In response to the announcement, the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) said in a statement: “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.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While lifelong fan Ratcliffe's debt-free acquisition, pledged investment and promise to bring "knowledge, expertise and talent" to renew the club's ailing performance structures should excite fans, it's natural that the unusual nature of the deal would raise some doubts.
United fans had high hopes that the strategic review announced last November would see the end of the Glazer family's controversial 18-year ownership. Instead they have been left with a novel arrangement that leaves the unpopular owners in place.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED FANS?
The terraces and concourses of Old Trafford will be buzzing with discussion about today's announcement when United host Aston Villa in the traditional round of Boxing Day fixtures.