Exclusive: Man United could agree new investor deal after INEOS twist
Manchester United could soon be looking for a new investor to join the club to be able to meet their cash requirements, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (1 January) Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be forced to temporarily step back at Man United to focus on INEOS’ financial struggles.
It comes after The Telegraph reported on 29 December the British billionaire is battling to save the petrochemicals giant from “drowning under £18billion of debt”.
Sources have told Football Insider Man United could soon need more equity putting into the club after appearing to have reached their own debt limit.
It is believed investment from another third party may be required if the existing shareholders are either reluctant – or unable – to put cash into the business.
How much of Man United does Sir Jim Ratcliffe own?
Ratcliffe purchased an initial 27.7 per cent stake at Old Trafford in February 2024 after agreeing a £1.25bn deal with the Glazers.
It was then revealed in early 2025 Ratcliffe had increased his stake in Man United to 28.9 per cent after injecting around £240million into the club.
There have been suggestions Ratcliffe could look to agree a takeover deal for the Glazers’ remaining 48.9 per cent stake at Old Trafford.
However, INEOS’ ongoing financial troubles make that scenario unlikely at this moment in time.
Saudi sports chief Turki Al-Sheikh revealed in October Man United were in an advanced stage of completing a sale to a new investor, but such a deal has so far failed to materialise.
How much debt are Man United in?
Ruben Amorim’s side do have significant cash requirements as they continue to spend money on new signings and have ambitious plans for their stadium project.
Man United announced plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium last March as part of the government’s regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
Ratcliffe has insisted he wants the new stadium, which the club believe will cost around £2bn, to be the “world’s greatest” and potentially be completed within five years.
Man United generate the second-highest revenue in the Premier League after their turnover increased from £661.8m in 2023-24 to £666.5m last season.
However, the debt situation is an issue at Old Trafford, with the latest figures revealing it has now reached £1.29bn.
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