Despite waiting for Premier League officials to confirm his 25 percent share in United, 71-year-old Ratcliffe attended a match for the first time since the deal with the Glazer family. Seated alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, he witnessed more setbacks than positives against Spurs.
In contrast to the current American owners, Ratcliffe is likely to be an active figure in the club’s affairs. Before the game, he made a media statement, suggesting a potential shift toward more open communication under his control of the club’s athletic operations.
While forthcoming on some inquiries before the encounter, Ratcliffe maintained a tight-lipped stance on certain matters. Despite potential surprise at the squad’s performance against a historical rival, he expressed excitement about being present at the match, noting it was his first since arriving.
When asked about the planning behind the move, Ratcliffe mentioned it took a few years with twists and turns. Due to other commitments, he acknowledged he couldn’t attend all season games but affirmed his presence at select matches.
Regarding his favorite player, Ratcliffe named Eric Cantona, with documented affection for the legendary player. He mentioned Paul Scholes alongside Cantona. However, he refrained from commenting on initial thoughts about Carrington and Old Trafford and remained mum on his and INEOS’ influence over the club in the January transfer market.
