(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Exclusive: Man United could agree new investor deal after INEOS twist

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on:

03 Jan 2026, 2:30 am

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.

Man United CEO Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe could take a temporary step back at Man United (Credit: Imago)

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.

The Glazers have seen their shares in Man United diluted in recent years (Credit: Getty Images)

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.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox looking concerned

Man United's debt has risen significantly over the past few years (Credit: Imago)

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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Manchester United

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

INEOS

The Glazers