Glazers must follow INEOS rule that will excite Man United fans ahead of January transfer window

The Glazers must follow an INEOS rule ahead of the January transfer window.

On Christmas Eve United announced that British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe had agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in United for about $1.3billion (£1.03billion).

Ratcliffe's Ineos Group will take control of football operations and provide $300million (£236million) for future investment into the club's Old Trafford stadium.

And on Boxing Day, the night United secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa in front of Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, further details emerged about the company’s proposed 25 per cent investment in United.

Shortly after United’s win, the New York Stock Exchange published details of Ineos’ investment in United in a 241-page document.

As reported by the Times, a New York Stock Exchange filing revealed that United must consult INEOS on every potential player transfer while their investment is being ratified by the authorities.

The ratification process is expected to take around six weeks - a period which includes the January transfer window.

The document said that United must also consult INEOS if they are “entering into, or continuing any existing, discussions or negotiations relating to the purchase, sale or other transfer . . . of any player.”

Moreover, should the Glazers consider sacking manager Erik ten Hag or sporting director John Murtough during that period then the same rule would apply.

As per the filing, INEOS must also be told if United consider “appointing, ­dismissing or accepting the resignation of any director of football or first team manager of the company and/or any of its subsidiaries”.

Ten Hag welcomed the news of Ratcliffe’s purchase and said that the new part-owners can help supporters realise their dreams.

The Dutchman said: “I don’t think it has had an impact on the players. I was kept informed during the whole process. I think it is positive for the club they are stepping in.

“They have a lot of experience of sport at the highest level — of F1, of the cycling team, of other football clubs.”

Topics: Football, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.