Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes fresh Man United statement following new stadium demand

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has addressed the Manchester United fan group MUST following his 25 per cent stake in the club being confirmed.

The Reds announced the deal on Christmas Eve and are now awaiting Premier League approval before the British billionaire and his Ineos team take charge of the footballing department at Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe took part in the 13-month-long process after the Glazer family stated their intention to explore ‘strategic alternatives’ in November 2022.

He has now sent a direct message to Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) and explained the important role of the fans as well as the time and patience that will be required as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around.

“Dear MUST, I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the Club on your behalf,” penned Ratcliffe.

“I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed. It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.

“You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and World Football. I take that responsibility very 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.”

The British billionaire has pledged £245 million to go towards infrastructure upgrades, particularly for the Old Trafford stadium and Carrington training complex.

Latest reports from the Telegraph have stated that Chris Lee, chief executive of Populous, the architectural firm overseeing the development of Old Trafford, has urged Ratcliffe and the club to seriously consider building an entirely new stadium as it may be “the most cost-effective solution”.

Populous was at the heart of Tottenham Hotspur’s development of their new state-of-the-art stadium and was hired by United earlier this year.

There are various options for United to take in relation to their historic stadium, with the expansion of the South Stand and a smaller makeover project being alternatives to an entirely new stadium.

Despite the urge from Populous to opt for a new stadium, many supporters would be cautious about the prospect of knocking down the historic Old Trafford.