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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe to reveal his plans for the club.
Ratcliffe is prepared to by a 25 per cent stake in United and is set to take control of football operations.
However, Ferdinand indicated that there needs to be more clarity regarding Ratcliffe’s plans otherwise there is a risk of further dressing room disruption.
‘Most fans wanted a new ownership. It’s not that now, so communication is vital.
Rio Ferdinand has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe to reveal his plans for Manchester United ahead of the billionaire’s purchase of a 25 per cent stake
Ferdinand stated that it is important for Ratcliffe to have open communication with supporters
‘If Mr Ratcliffe is coming in and wants to hit the ground running, show some signs of influence.’
Ferdinand stressed that it is vitally important that Ratcliffe communicates well with the club’s supporters.
The former defender added that getting fans onside is key to ensuring that there is a good feeling in the dressing room.
He said: ‘One of the key areas he needs to zone in on is communication with the fanbase.
‘They are so important with the tone around the ground and that influences players.
‘If you can control the hype, you have a better chance of keeping the dressing room tight knit and emotions to a level to perform.
‘At the moment, the grey area for every single element of the football club is not healthy.’
Ferdinand says that getting supporters on side can lead to a more harmonious dressing room
Clarity is required over whether the Glazers will remain at United for the long term
Ratcliffe’s proposed investment in United has been hit by delays and there are concerns that a final agreement over the deal could take weeks.
The 71-year-old’s deal may not be completed in time for the opening of the January transfer window.
Ratfcliffe submitted an offer, believed to be in the region of £1.4bn, for a 25 per cent stake in the club in the first step in what is being viewed as a staged buyout.
As Ferdinand alludes to, communication with fans could be key for Ratcliffe’s popularity, especially regarding plans over whether the Glazers will remain in control of the club, for how long and in what capacity.
