- Sir Dave Brailsford was in attendance for Man United’s clash with Aston Villa
- Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn deal to purchase 25% of the club was confirmed on Sunday
- ‘Five, six, seven years of rock and roll football’… have Liverpool fans been spoilt under Jurgen Klopp? It’s All Kicking Off
Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport for Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group was spotted at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa.
Ratcliffe is not in attendance for the clash, but former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar could be seen watching on as Erik ten Hag’s team attempted to secure a first Premier League win since December 6.
Ratcliffe’s deal to purchase a minority stake in the club was confirmed on Sunday, with the 71-year-old becoming a minority owner of the club with a 25% stake.
United’s official announcement confirmed Ratcliffe would take over football operations at the club once the deal has been ratified by the Premier League, a process that could take between six and eight weeks.
Ratcliffe said following the announcement: ‘As a local boy and a lifelong supporter, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the Club.
INEOS group sporting Director Sir Dave Brailsford (centre) was in attendance for Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa
‘Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.
‘We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford.
‘We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion.
‘We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the club forward.
‘Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.’
The announcement was met with delight by some United fans on social media, though others insisted they would reserve judgement until the Glazers have departed the club.
More to follow
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