Jim Ratcliffe has begged Manchester United fans for “time and patience” in order to restore Old Trafford’s glory days after the British billionaire agreed to purchase a minority share in the Premier League team.
Ratcliffe will own 25% of United and has promised to spend $300 million in the club in order to turn around its problems. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
United have not won the league since 2013, and although there is optimism that Ratcliffe will be handed responsibility for football operations, the 71-year-old said that there is no fast remedy.
“I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the club’s undeniable commercial success,” Ratcliffe said in an open letter to the Manchester United Supporters Trust.
“It will take time, patience, rigor, and the highest level of professional management.”
“You and Manchester United are both ambitious. There are no certainties in sports, and change takes time, but we are in it for the long haul.”
United have dropped to ninth place in the table following eight losses in 18 games this season. Later on Tuesday (Wednesday 2:00 a.m., Bangladesh time), they face Aston Villa.