Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers have reportedly agreed to include a clause as part of their Manchester United deal.
Last week, it was confirmed that British billionaire and INEOS boss Ratcliffe had agreed a deal to buy a 25% stake in the Old Trafford club.
It has been reported that Ratcliffe and his team will head up the football operations whilst the Glazers deal with the commercial side.
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Now, it has been reported that the two parties included a bizarre clause within the deal.
According to The Times, the document outlining the deal states that Ratcliffe's Trawlers Limited can not to make public statements that 'constitute an ad hominem attack on, criticise, or otherwise disparage, the sellers [The Glazers], the company [United] or their respective affiliates'.
It has been reported that the Glazers will have to refrain from any public criticism of Ratcliffe and his team.
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After the deal was confirmed, it was claimed that Ratcliffe sent a private letter to a few of United's fan groups, which was later leaked on social media.
Ratcliffe wrote, via The Express: “I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the Club on your behalf.
“I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed." The petrochemicals magnate went on to warn fans that success would not come about overnight.
“It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.”
He continued: “You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we. There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and World Football.
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“I take that responsibility very seriously. Please note that, as with any deal, it is subject to the usual regulatory sign-off process and therefore we do not expect to speak publicly about Club matters until after the deal has completed.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United, Football