After a long wait, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally pulled the Manchester United buyout deal over the line, giving a new ray of hope to the Manchester United faithful. Ratcliffe has acquired 25% stakes of the Red Devils, making him one of the main guys in the operational bit of the club, after the stakes went on sale in January.
After the takeover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has left the fans a heartfelt and motivating message, which has been taken well by the fans, as they look ahead for a bright future after a lot of protests against the working body in the recent years. While Ratcliffe shared a long bond with Man United, his favorite player in a United shirt has also been revealed.
Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s favourite player?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally acquired a minority stake in the club after a lengthy and complicated procedure, as he was the only bidder left following the withdrawal from the Saudi group. United have gone a lot of years protesting for the change in the management of the club and have now finally been given something to look forward to.
The company buying shares is Trawlers Ltd, a nod to Eric Cantona, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's favourite player.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) December 24, 2023
Trawlers is wholly owned by Ratcliffe in the Isle of Man.#MUFC ⬇️https://t.co/qhI9iLxzqX
According to various sources, the group that has bought shares in Manchester United is named ‘Trawlers Ltd’, which is wholly owned by Ratcliffe in the Isle of Man, and has a very deep context to it.
It is a reference to Ratcliffe’s favorite United player ever Eric Cantona, who infamously referenced trawlers and seabirds at a press conference in 1995, subsequent to an appeal hearing with regard to his kung-fu strike against a supporter. “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea”, he said.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe sends message to United fans
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s passion for the club and the game can be seen from his desire to get hold of the club and has invested a lot of pounds in getting the deal done. However, he has ensured that he is on the same page as the fans, with a message to them via a statement.
🚨 Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s message to Man Utd fans.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 24, 2023
“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”.
“As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we… pic.twitter.com/beCTgqZd7X
His statement read, “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”.
He further added, “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, 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”.
Manchester United fans’ call for help has finally been heard, as the Glazers are set to take the backseat for some time, giving Ratcliffe the wheel to run United with regard to transfers and overall management of the club.
Can Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover of the club’s minority stakes result in the improvement of their management? Share your opinion in the comments.
