Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd intentions laid out as Ineos chief decides to end investment

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans to pull funding in some of Ineos' different sporting projects is nothing for Manchester United to be concerned about, claims ex-Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson. Ineos have parted ways with Britannia America's Cup sailing team and are in dispute with New Zealand Rugby after terminating their sponsorship deal.

Ratcliffe has made the headlines for his ruthless cost-cutting measures at United since investing £1.25billion for a 27.7 per cent stake last February.

He has since injected a further £241m to support the ongoing redevelopment of the club's Carrington training ground.

As Ratcliffe's focus on United grows, his commitment to other branches of the Ineos sporting empire has seemingly lowered.

Four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie was left "astounded" by the 72-year-old's decision to end their seven-year partnership at the Britannia America's Cup sailing team.

Ineos have also cited "cost-saving measures" as their reason for walking away from their deal as New Zealand Rugby's performance partner until 2027.

The petrochemicals firm contributed more than £24m to the All Blacks and Black Ferns since 2021. However, NZR have launched legal proceedings "to protect the interests of the wider game."

In January, the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team announced they were searching for new partners after suffering their worst-ever season in 2024.

Grenadiers CEO John Allert suggested that Ineos had halted their financial backing, claiming: "Ineos don't want to spend more money."

Ratcliffe's sporting withdrawals have intensified concerns among some United supporters after a turbulent first year of his co-ownership at Old Trafford.

However, Borson has reassured those worried that Ineos' business exploits have little to do with Ratcliffe's investment in United.

"I don't think this will be a concern to United. INEOS themselves have this situation with New Zealand Rugby, where they're trying to pull out of a five-year sponsorship deal," Borson told Football Insider.

"They made a statement which details why they want to pull out. They said they are struggling with the 'deindustrialisation of Europe'.

"They've said themselves that they are struggling. So INEOS have got business issues, but it won't affect United. We all know this is a vanity project for Ratcliffe, and it's meant to be fun for him.

"I would separate the club from INEOS. The reality is that Ratcliffe wants to make this a success as a fun project and to spend some of the money he has worked very hard to earn over the years.

"I wouldn't focus on INEOS and their problems."