2023 was a monumental year for Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe finally got hold of his stake in the Red Devils.
It was a seriously long time coming. The full takeover process took well over a year and had more twists and turns than a ride at Disneyworld.
Nevertheless, it eventually happened – but he only got a slice of the cake. Ratcliffe now part-owns 25% of the club, alongside the Glazers.
This has sparked a quite brilliant billboard perched up outside Old Trafford.
Billboard up outside Old Trafford
A message has been posted up on Victoria Warehouse’s massive LED billboard just a few hundred metres away from Old Trafford, which depicts a photo of an anti-Glazer green and gold scarf, with 25% now coloured in the traditional colours of Manchester United.
It’s accompanied by the caption: “25%. Well, it’s a start.”
Manchester United fans love it
Naturally, with the years of ongoing suffering Manchester United fans have had from the Glazer family, they absolutely loved this.
A first writes: “Yes!! That’s just the start!”
A second adds: “This is a great representation of what we’re all feeling at the moment. Cautious positivity!”
A third states: “I’ll take it, for now.”
Two more put: “Love to see it” and “Love this” adding to the positivity surrounding the giant banner.
The reason why many have taken it so well is that it promotes a sense of optimism not felt at the club for many years. Many fans can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, which was dark and hollow for many years prior.
The Glazer family will be an ever-present force at Old Trafford for years to come, but with Ineos, Ratcliffe and many more of the recruits speculated – United have their best chance in years at becoming a proper football club once again.