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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly signed a gagging order agreeing not to criticize Manchester United owners the Glazers.
The British billionaire recently bought a 25 percent stake in the club after fending off competition from Sheikh Jassim.
Ratcliffe is set to take control of sporting affairs at United, who have yet to win a Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
The 71-year-old has vowed to bring back the glory days at Old Trafford after a decade of normalcy.
Man Utd news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly signed gagging order at the club
the countryside
And it looks as if he’s ready to line up at United as his arrival draws closer.
According to The Times, Ratcliffe agreed to a clause stating that the billionaire’s company Trawlers Ltd would not make public statements that ‘constitute an advertising attack on, criticism of, or otherwise defamatory of sellers’. [The Glazers]company [United] or their respective associates’.
The same conditions apply to glazers also.
Americans should ‘refrain from any public criticism of their new investor.’
Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake could further pave the way for a full takeover of United.
He is set to be joined at the club by Sir Dave Brailsford, who watched United’s thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
After goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker it looked as if the Red Devils would suffer another defeat.
But United didn’t read the script.
Alejandro Garnacho’s two goals equalized, making the Argentina international one of the only shining lights so far this season.
And Rasmus Hjölund hit the winner, scoring his first Premier League goal in the process.
Eric ten Hag has looked like a dead man walking this season.
And United will need to tell Ratcliffe if they have any plans to relieve the 52-year-old of his duties.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe has told United fans that he is in it ‘for the long run’ and is determined to achieve success.
He said, “As a local boy and lifelong supporter of the club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United board which hands us management responsibility for the club’s football operations.”
“Although the club’s commercial success has ensured that there has always been funds available to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unleashed in recent times.
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Man Utd news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed not to publicly criticize the Glazers
the countryside
“We will bring global knowledge, expertise and talent from across the wider Ineos Sports group to help drive further improvements to the club, as well as provide funding to enable future investment at Old Trafford.
“We are here for the long term and recognize that there are a lot of challenges and hard work ahead, which we will meet with rigor, professionalism and passion.
“We are committed to working with everyone at the club – the board, staff, players and fans – to help take the club forward.
“Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back at the top of English, European and world football where we belong.”
Ratcliffe also wrote to MUST, “Given the vital role fans play in the future of Manchester United I wanted to write to you at this time as we recognize our responsibility as patrons of the Club on your behalf.
Man Utd news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to bring back glory days at Old Trafford
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“I believe we can bring sporting success on the field to complement the undoubted commercial success the club has enjoyed.
“This will require rigor and the highest level of professional management, as well as time and patience.
“You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we.
“There are no guarantees in sport, and change will inevitably take time, but we are in this for the long run and together we want to help take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.
“Please note that, like any deal, this is subject to the normal regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about the club’s matters until the deal is completed.”
