How the Glazers could force Sir Jim Ratcliffe out of Man Utd after just 18 months - explained

According to The Times, new documents show there are clauses that detail the rules surrounding a future sale of the club since Ratcliffe and his INEOS group purchased a minority stake in a $1.64 billion (£1.3bn) deal. Ratcliffe has the right to first refusal if the Glazers decide to sell their stake, but the majority owners could go to another party willing to pay more.

Furthermore, the Glazers are not allowed to solicit offers from other groups for the first 12 months after Ratcliffe's deal is ratified after February 13. After 18 months have passed, however, they can decide to sell the entirety of the club to another interested party and force Ratcliffe to sell his stake for the price he purchased it.

Another document released to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shows that Ratcliffe's major rival to buying the Old Trafford club, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, failed to meet the Glazers’ asking price and did not submit the required financial guarantees.

Although Ratcliffe's partial takeover won't be ratified until February, the club must consult him and INEOS regarding any possible transfers they want to conduct in the January window. The Red Devils hope to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad over the month as they look to challenge for a place in the Premier League top four.