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Prior to his 25% takeover, SIR JIM RATCLIFFE wrote a letter to Manchester United supporters suggesting significant changes.
On Christmas Eve, the British billionaire made known that he had invested in the club.
The 71-year-old Ratcliffe paid the Glazers £1.03 billion for his share.
He will thereafter be in control of the football operations of the club once the takeover is “signed-off” by the chiefs.
Ratcliffe has promised in a letter to the Manchester United Supporters Trust that he will stop at nothing to restore Old Trafford to its former splendor.
“We recognize our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf, and I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to Manchester United’s future,” the statement he sent out stated.
“To add to the club’s undeniable commercial success, I think we can achieve sporting success on the field.
It will need the utmost in professional management, rigor, and time and patience.
“Like us, you have high goals for Manchester United.
“We are in it for the long haul, and collectively, we want to assist Man Utd return to its rightful place at the pinnacle of English, European, and global football. However, nothing is guaranteed in sports, and change can inevitably take time.
“I take that duty quite 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 has completed.”
Ratcliffe is a lifelong Manchester United supporter who was raised in the suburbs.
He watched Sir Alex Ferguson’s team defeat Bayern Munich to win the Treble in the 1999 Champions League final.
He even gave the takeover company’s name after a legendary United player.