Sir Jim Ratcliffe has promised to be “ambitious” at Manchester United but admitted “time and patience” is needed in an open letter to the club’s fans.
Ratcliffe's INEOS confirmed its 25% minority stake in United on Sunday, taking control of football operations at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) had reacted to the news of the INEOS investment with “very mixed feelings” as the hugely unpopular Glazer family remained in office and only diluted their shares.
Ratcliffe, a youth fan who has also pledged $300 million (£245 million) in “further investment” to help upgrade infrastructure, including the stadium redevelopment, says he has the responsibility to lead the club Bringing back former glory days is taken “very seriously”.
In a letter published by MUST on Tuesday, Ratcliffe said: “Given the crucial role fans play in the future of Manchester United, I wanted to write to you now as we recognize our responsibility as guardians of the club on your behalf.”
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“I believe that we can complement the club's undisputed commercial success with sporting success on the pitch. It requires time and patience as well as care and the highest level of professional management.
“They 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 bring Manchester United back to where the club belongs, to the top of English, European and world football. I take this responsibility very seriously.”
The investment still needs to be approved by the Premier League, with this process expected to take between six and eight weeks.
“Please note that as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory approval process,” Ratcliffe added. “We therefore assume that we will only speak publicly about club matters after the contract has been concluded.”
Manchester United – eighth in the Premier League – return to action against Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
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