The Athletic reports that British chemical company Ineos, owned by Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, is exploring the possibility of selling French club Nice.
According to the reports, Ineos has tasked a New York investment bank with finding a buyer, and Nice is estimated at €250 million. It’s worth noting that the holding originally secured a 100% stake in Nice in 2019 for €100 million. In February 2024, Ineos acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United; however, the Glazer brothers remain the majority owners, while Ratcliffe's company controls the club's football operations.
On March 26, 2024, it was reported that due to a conflict of interest, United may lose their right to compete in European competitions for the 2024/2025 season. On May 29, The Telegraph reported that for this reason, the Red Devils might be transitioned from the Europa League to UEFA's Conference League.
Under the management of Frank Eze, Nice has collected 54 points from 31 matches in the current French league season, placing them sixth in the standings. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have earned 39 points after 34 matches in the 2024/2025 Premier League season and sit in fourteenth place.
