Sir Jim Ratcliffe sends message to fans over Man Utd rebuild

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has urged fans to be "patient" as he looks to rebuild the football club.

Ratcliffe completed the purchase of a 27.7% stake in United back in February, taking control of football operations from the Glazer family.

He has shown his commitment to rebuilding the Old Trafford club already, welcoming Jason Wilcox as United's new technical director and lining up more staff as he restructures both coaching and recruitment within the club.

Speaking to BBC Sport on Sunday, Ratcliffe warned fans that getting United back to the top of the football pyramid is not going to be immediate.

"It's a long journey really, the football," he said. "One of the problems with football is you get these new guys to come into the team, capable people, but they're all on gardening leave. So it takes you six months, a year, 18 months before they can join.

"It's a real issue in football. The fans are impatient. I knew that, yeah. But it's a journey.

"Whether they like it or not, they have to be a bit patient. It's not a light switch. You can't just turn it around like that. It takes a bit of time. But we will."

United are continuing their pursuit of Dan Ashworth, who is currently on gardening leave from Newcastle United after confirming his desire to join the Red Devils as sporting director.

Ratcliffe was in attendance for United's narrow victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, shortly after completing the London Marathon in a time of 4 hours 30 minutes.

Their penalty win means they will now face Manchester City in the final in May, just like they did in 2023.

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