Manchester United Supporters Trust issue statement after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes takeover deal

The Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) has welcomed confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in Manchester United.

Ratcliffe's $1.2 billion investment was officially confirmed on Tuesday night after it was given Premier League and FA approval last week.

The 71-year-old has bought 25% of the Class A shares through the tender offer and 25% of the Class B shares from the Glazer family.

Further shares have been issued in return for the initial $200 million capital investment made by Ratcliffe, taking his total ownership to 27.7%. A further $100 million will be invested by Ratcliffe by December 31, when his ownership will increase to 28.9%.

ALSO READ: Inside the 48 hours that clinched United takeover deal for Sir Jim Ratcliffe

ALSO READ: The unique approach Ratcliffe's INEOS chief hopes to transform United with

MUST have issued a statement supporting Ratcliffe in his mission to return the club to the top of the global game, but warned that the promises he made must now be delivered.

“The news that the deal for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to buy an initial 25% stake in the Club has now completed will be welcomed by our fans around the world," the statement read. "Even before today, Sir Jim and his team have made an impressive start to their new role at United having moved fast on recruitment and on fan engagement. They are also clearly looking seriously and ambitiously at the future of Old Trafford.

“After the difficulties of the last decade, United fans are realistic about the journey back to the top and we know it won’t happen overnight. But Sir Jim has declared his mission to restore United back to the top of English and European football and we dearly hope we can look back on today as a turning point in that