Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to become a minority shareholder of the 20-time English champions is "positive for the club".
On December 24, the Red Devils announced that a deal had been agreed for Ratcliffe to purchase 25% of the club, although the Premier League are yet to officially ratify it.
Sir Dave Brailsford, who is sporting director of INEOS, is set to be a key part of Ratcliffe's plans for a revamp of the football department at Old Trafford, and he was in attendance for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Man United trailed 2-0 to Villa at Old Trafford before an excellent second-half performance saw the Red Devils win 3-2, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first Premier League goal to secure all three points for the hosts.
Ten Hag was asked about Ratcliffe's arrival on Tuesday, and the Dutchman said that the news is "positive for the club" due to their "experience in sport on the highest level".
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"I don't think it has had an impact on the players. And so for me, I kept informed and during the whole process, first from Richard Arnold, later on from Patrick Stewart, so I knew what's going on," Ten Hag told reporters during his post-match press conference.
"Yeah, we're looking forward. I think it's positive for the club that they are in, they're stepping in. They have a lot of experience in sport on the highest level: F1, [the] cycling team, other football clubs.
"So, it can only help and support us to catch our targets. So we are looking forward. They want to work with us, and we want to work with them."
When asked what Ratcliffe and Brailsford would have made of the performance against Villa, Ten Hag said: "I don't know. You have to ask them the questions."
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He continued: "I think already, the first half and we played solid, only it was a little sloppy to give two goals away from set-plays. I think only [at] half-time we slightly changed a little, the pressing, but there was a really slight change.
"But we said keep going. Already [in] the first half we created chances; twice Rasmus Hojlund, or Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and were all very good, created chances from open play.
"So, we said keep going, and believing in ourselves, and I said that that is what I demand from a team. And I said it before the game, I said during half-time. Keep believing and we will win this game.
"We know football is about solid performance, and consistency, and top football. But we know we have to make a step there. But I'm sure when we have more players often available, and especially in key positions, then we will get a consistent role."
Man United will be bidding to make it successive wins in the Premier League when they head to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Matt Law
