Roy Keane managed to make a profit from Man Utd takeover thanks to secret contract clause

Roy Keane has revealed he made a profit from the takeover of Manchester United due to a clause in his contract.

Back in 2005, American family The Glazers took over the Old Trafford club.

In recent years, the United fans have often expressed their displeasure over the Glazers’ ownership.

The American family’s reign looked likely to come to an end in November 2022 after they put the club up for sale.

However, the only deal that managed to materialise was a sale of a 25% stake to British billionaire and INOES boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which was confirmed last week.

In his autobiography which was published back in 2014, former United captain Keane revealed he made money when the Glazers first took over.

He said: “From the players’ point of view, it didn’t bother us too much.

“I had a few shares in the club as part of my contract. So the Glazers coming in was worth a few bob to me.”

Speaking after his investment into United was confirmed, Ratcliffe said: “As a local boy and a lifelong supporter of the Club, I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal with the Manchester United Board that delegates us management responsibility of the football operations of the Club.

“Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.”

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He added: “We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider INEOS Sport group to help drive further improvement at the Club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford. We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion.

“We are committed to working with everyone at the Club – the Board, staff, players and fans – to help drive the Club forward. Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football.”