Manchester United Supporters' Trust have revealed their "very mixed feelings" following the announcement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover of the club.
The INEOS chairman has purchased 25% of the Red Devils for around £1.2bn and will take control of the footballing operations on the red side of Manchester.
Billionaire Ratcliffe has promised over £230m of investment into Man United in the coming years, including upgrades to the playing squad and improvements to Old Trafford.
The agreement between Ratcliffe and the Glazer family needs to be ratified by the Premier League before the new stakeholders can get to work - a process which could take up to eight weeks.
Shortly after an announcement was made by Man United on Christmas Eve, MUST released a statement outlining their feelings following the high-profile news.
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"During 18 years of debt, decay and mismanagement, Manchester United fans have loudly and consistently called for change at our club," read a statement on the trust's website.
"So when the so-called strategic review was announced nearly a year ago, it finally appeared that the sale of the club was on the horizon, potentially bringing the new investment and new direction MUFC so clearly needs.
"Against that backdrop, fans have very mixed feelings today. We welcome the investment from a boyhood red, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS company, but many will wish his ownership stake was greater than the initially rumoured 25%.
"We note the statements that he and his team will control sporting activities, yet puzzle how any organisation can put its very core business in the hands of a minority shareholder, and how that meaningfully works in practice.
"It is now incumbent on the club's owners and management to properly explain how this new structure will work, where the new investment will be directed and how it will benefit the team on the field.
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"As the Supporters Trust, we expect to have discussions with the club management and the INEOS team in the near future to understand their plans, and to put to them the very many questions fans have today.
"Today might – just might – be a step forward for Manchester United after some very difficult years. But with the Glazers still in charge, people should understand that United fans will remain sceptical and wait for the proof in the pudding."
Man United supporters have been protesting for the departure of the Glazer Family from the club, but Sunday's announcement confirms that they will still have a key involvement in affairs at Old Trafford.
On the pitch, Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat at West Ham United as they welcome title-chasing Aston Villa to Manchester on Boxing Day.
Carter White
