Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be 'forced out' of Man Utd in 2025 due to secret Glazers contract clause

Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be forced out of Manchester United in 2025.

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

The British business mogul’s Ineos group will take control of football operations once the deal is ratified by the Premier League in six to eight weeks, while it will provide $300million (£236million) for future investment into Old Trafford.

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

The New York Stock Exchange published details of Ineos’ investment in United in a 241-page document.

Within the document it was revealed that United must consult Ineos on every potential player transfer while their investment is being ratified by the authorities, while they must also be consulted should the Glazers look to sack Erik ten Hag or sporting director John Murtough.

However, as per the Telegraph, though Ratcliffe will have first refusal for a period of 12 months should the Glazers opt to sell their B shares - which have 10 times the voting rights of Class A shares - the Americans could compel the Ineos chairman to agree to an outright sale down the line.

“Drag-along” rights included in the deal mean Ratcliffe could be forced to sell his shares if he receive a $33 (£26) per share cash offer from the Glazers, should the United majority owners opt for a full sale in 18 months.

A drag-along right is a provision or clause in an agreement that enables a majority shareholder to force a minority shareholder into a sale of the company. The majority owner must give the minority shareholder the same price, terms, and conditions as any other seller.

The filing said: “For so long as the Glazer Parties are the majority holder, following the date that is eighteen months after the closing date and in connection with any full sale … the company board may require the Trawlers Party [Ratcliffe’s investment vehicle] to sell all of their company ordinary shares and take such other actions as are reasonably necessary to effect the full sale.”

Perhaps, in 18 months time we could see United bidder Sheikh Jassim attempt to purchase the Old Trafford club outright once more.