Exclusive: Sir Jim Ratcliffe could step back at Man United after INEOS crisis
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could be forced to temporarily take a step back at Manchester United to focus on INEOS’ financial crisis, sources have told Football Insider.
The British billionaire purchased an initial 27.7 per cent stake at Old Trafford in February 2024 after agreeing a £1.25billion deal with the Glazers.
Ratcliffe has overseen several changes at Man United since taking over the club’s footballing operations almost two years ago.
However, Ratcliffe is now facing a major concern away from football, with The Telegraph reporting on 29 December the 73-year-old is battling to save INEOS from “drowning under £18bn of debt”.
Ratcliffe, who serves as INEOS’ chairman and CEO, has blamed the petrochemical giant’s issues on high energy costs, US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and cheap Chinese imports.
Could INEOS’ financial issues impact Man United?
INEOS’ struggles come at a time when Ratcliffe is looking to help Man United return to their former glory.
Sources have told Football Insider Ratcliffe could be forced to temporarily spend more time away from Old Trafford to prioritise matters at INEOS, which he founded in 1998.
However, it is believed the London-headquartered firm’s issues will not have any immediate impact on Man United’s financial situation.
Ratcliffe increased his stake in Man United to 28.9 per cent after injecting around £240million into the club in early 2025.
There have been suggestions Ratcliffe could look to agree a takeover deal for the Glazers’ remaining 48.9 per cent stake at Old Trafford, but INEOS’ troubles make that scenario unlikely at this moment in time.
The Brit has proven an unpopular figure among some Man United fans over the past couple of years following his cost-cutting measures, which have included hundreds of staff redundancies and charity cuts.
Man United face new stadium uncertainty amid £1bn+ reveal
Financing the new stadium development also remains a challenge for Ratcliffe.
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.
However, that timeline currently remains unrealistic after little progress appears to have been made over the past nine months.
Meanwhile, there are question marks around how much Man United’s new stadium could really cost if they want to execute on their ambitious plans.
Another potential issue is the club’s rising debt, with the latest figures revealing it has now reached £1.29bn.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.