"Communication is key" - Rio Ferdinand sets Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first task as Manchester United's minority stakeholder

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has set the first task for the club's incoming minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The former Red Devils defender has urged the British billionaire to treat communication between the boardroom and the supporters as a priority when he completes his acquisition of the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has emerged as the sole main contender in the Manchester United takeover race after Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani stepped down earlier this month.

According to multiple sources, the British businessman is in pole position to acquire 25% of the club's stake and the process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Fans are concerned about how much influence Ratcliffe will have with his minority stake at the club. This has created some sort of confusion in the minds of the supporters, who are mainly interested in a total removal of the Glazers family from the helm of affairs.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Rio Ferdinand highlighted why it's important for Ratcliffe to communicate with the fans as soon as possible if the billionaire wants to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

"Football is a business but you can’t treat football clubs like businesses and not in a holistic way," Ferdinand said. "There’s too much emotional involvement, the history, the fans baying for news, information and guidance. [He needs] to appease the anxiety that has crept in."

"Most fans were sitting there thinking: ‘Right we’re going to get new owners.’ Everyone thought they would either go or they’ll still be here. Most fans wanted a new ownership," he added.

"Communication is vital. If Mr Ratcliffe is coming in and wants to hit the ground running, show some signs of influence, one of the key areas he needs to zone into is communication with the fanbase," Ferdinand continued:

"They are so important with the tone around the ground - that influences players. If you can control the tone around stories, the hype, the ups and downs, then you have a better chance of keeping the dressing room tightknit and emotions at a level to perform."

What's next for Manchester United?

United will be back in action in the UEFA Champions League today (October 24) after earning a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Premier League at the weekend. They take on Danish side Copenhagen at Old Trafford in what will be their third European outing of the season.

It is worth noting that this is a must-win game for the Red Devils after their poor start to the European campaign. They lost to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in their first two games and have no room for slip-ups going forward.

To qualify for the next round, Manchester United needs to beat Copahangen in back-to-back games and earn better results against Bayern and Galatasaray in their last two group fixtures.