Sir Alex Ferguson breaks silence on Jim Ratcliffe Man Utd takeover with 24-word statement

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has broken his silence on Sir Jim Ratfcliffe’s expected buy-in at Manchester United.

Ratcliffe is edging closer to completing his £1.3billion deal to buy 25 per cent of the club.

AlamySir Alex Ferguson has given his take on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd buy-in[/caption]

AFPRatcliffe’s deal is should reportedly be confirmed by next week[/caption]

The British billionaire has a host of plans to try and restore the club to its former glory last seen under Ferguson.

And now the 81-year-old has given his thoughts on Ratcliffe’s investment.

Ferguson, in an interview courtesy of Gambling Zone, said: “I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well.

“We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic.”

Fans are hopeful that the Ineos owners plans will put the club back on top.

Changes to the backroom staff, playing squad and facilities are all said to be in the works under Ratcliffe’s leadership.

However, football director John Murtough looks set to keep his job for the time being, even if it is to just ensure a smooth transition from himself to a Ratcliffe appointed director.

The likes of Crystal Palace‘s Dougie Freedman and ex-Tottenham chief Paul Mitchell have both been linked with the role.

There have also been links to Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid.

Even once the deal is confirmed, Ratcliffe faces a further 6-8 week wait for the deal to be ratified by the Premier League.

Ferguson also spoke about the late Sir Bobby Charlton.

On the Man Utd icon, he said: “Bobby Charlton was my main supporter throughout that time.

“He was the heartbeat of the club and absolutely brilliant.

“His passing was so sad. He was brilliant with me.”

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