Jim Ratcliffe 'could be forced out of Man Utd' by the Glazers

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tenure at Manchester United could come to an abrupt end this year, just over a year after his £1 billion investment secured a 27.7% stake in the club.

His time at Old Trafford has been anything but smooth, marked by sweeping changes, controversy, and mounting financial concerns.

As part of his minority stake, Ratcliffe was given control over the club’s football operations, while the Glazer family retained majority ownership.

Since taking charge, the British billionaire has overhauled the board, appointed a new manager, made hundreds of staff redundant, and introduced unpopular cost-cutting measures—including increased ticket prices and the cancellation of the staff Christmas party.

Ratcliffe has also initiated plans for a brand-new £2 billion, 100,000-seater stadium to replace the aging Old Trafford.

However, his control over United could be in jeopardy. According to Bloomberg, the Glazers have the option to sell the club in six months' time—an option that could force Ratcliffe to relinquish his stake.

If the Glazers choose to sell, Ratcliffe would be given the chance to make his own bid first. Reports suggest that the INEOS chief is eager not only to maintain his stake but also to increase his ownership if the opportunity arises.

However, the American owners have remained distant, keeping a hands-off approach while Ratcliffe manages day-to-day operations.

Bloomberg’s report indicates that, despite United losing over £100 million in Ratcliffe’s first year, the Glazers were still satisfied with the state of the club at the end of last year.

This is despite on-pitch struggles, with new manager Ruben Amorim’s team sitting 15th in the Premier League.

Internally, the club has set an ambitious goal of winning the league by 2028. However, financial challenges loom large.

United have recorded losses exceeding £300 million over the past three years, putting them at risk of breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club’s debt has also ballooned to approximately £700 million.

Even if the Glazers decide to sell, finding a buyer willing to take on United’s financial instability could be challenging. It would likely require another mega-rich, state-backed investor—similar to the Qatari bid that rivaled Ratcliffe’s purchase last year.

One speculative possibility is that Qatar could renew its interest in United, led by Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The 51-year-old chairman of beIN Media Group and Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) is also the president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

However, Al-Khelaifi faces mounting issues at PSG. He has clashed publicly with other Ligue 1 club owners, calling Lyon’s John Textor a “cowboy” in leaked footage. Additionally, reports from Agence France-Presse state that he has been charged with complicity in an “abuse of power” case.

Moreover, PSG is set to leave the Parc des Princes after the Paris mayor confirmed the stadium is not for sale—another source of frustration for Al-Khelaifi. With tensions rising in France, a move for Manchester United could be an enticing new challenge for Qatar’s sporting ambitions.

For now, all eyes remain on the Glazers and whether they will exercise their option to sell, potentially reshaping United’s future once again.