Sir Alex Ferguson 'optimistic' about Ratcliffe's Man Utd investment

Tom Weber

Updated: 22 Nov 2023 15:46 GMT
3 min read

Alex Ferguson, Erik ten Hag — © ProShots

Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson is 'optimistic' about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending investment.

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The takeover saga has ended - but it hasn't really. Though INEOS billionaire Ratcliffe has triumphed over Sheikh Jassim, the Glazers remain firmly in control of Man Utd and Ratcliffe is not officially on board yet. In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, his investment, which was to be ratified during the international break just gone, has now been delayed again.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues will assume control of the sporting operations of the Red Devils and a massive overhaul is expected in a bid to get the club back on their perch. CEO Richard Arnold has already departed and sporting director John Murtough is expected to be axed too, with Jean-Claude Blanc most likely replacing the former.

Ratcliffe has pledged to pump significant funds into stadium renovations and new signings for Erik ten Hag, yet the January window could come too soon for the effects of his acquisition of a 25 per cent stake to be properly felt, especially if the ongoing delays persist, which could be bad news for the Dutch coach.

Ferguson breaks silence

Man Utd's most successful manager ever, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been conspicuously muted during the takeover saga, but he has now broken his silence on the matter.

Ferguson still acts as a director at the club and is a regular face in the stands during games at Old Trafford. Since his retirement in 2013, things have gone drastically downhill for the Red Devils, but perhaps Ratcliffe's investment can offer a glimmer of hope for better times. Ferguson certainly thinks so.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, the Scot said succinctly: "I am still a director of the club and I know Jim well. We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."