A clause exists that states Ratcliffe cannot block the sale should majority shareholders, the Glazer family, accept an offer for the club.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The news arrives as it emerges that a bid is being made by a UAE based group for United.
The Glazers are said to be prepared to sell their stake for over £5bn. For his part, Ratcliffe holds a 27.7 per cent shareholding in the club.
The 'drag-along' clause came into effect this past summer, so leaving the Glazers in control to sell should the right proposal arrive.
For the previous 18 months, Ratcliffe held first refusal if the Glazers had decided to sell. But that clause lapsed in August.