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Man Utd could secure big financial boost from Real Madrid if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos trigger smart clause

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos could see a welcome financial boost if Real Madrid follow through on their interest in a former Manchester United prospect who never made a first-team appearance at Old Trafford.

Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who now oversee football operations at Manchester United, haven’t shied away from discussing the club’s financial challenges since taking charge.

The British billionaire and his company have responded by implementing several cost-cutting measures – including around 250 redundancies in 2024.

Ratcliffe, though, has stood by those decisions, justifying them as necessary steps in his bid to restore the club to the pinnacle of English football.

With the club’s spending power being restricted, United must offload first-team players and free up salary space to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

One unexpected source of funds could come from the rising value of a player they once let go – and Real Madrid’s plans to bring him back to Spain.

Real Madrid consider offer for former Man United talent Alvaro Carreras

Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images

Alvaro Carreras came through the Manchester United youth academy, but the Spanish left-back never managed to break into the senior side, failing to make a single appearance before heading out on loan to Benfica in January 2024.

Benfica opted to make the move permanent, signing him for a €6m fee, with another €3m in add-ons tied to the deal depending on appearances.

The 22-year-old has since shone in Portugal, turning enough heads to attract the attention of Real Madrid, who are reportedly ready to make a move.

Manchester United could profit twice from Alvaro Carreras thanks to smart sell-on and buyback clauses

With Carreras now under contract with Benfica until 2029, the defender has been making a name for himself – including appearances at the Club World Cup.

According to reports, Carreras is open to leaving Benfica, and Real Madrid are said to have tabled a €50m (£43m) offer.

Even though they no longer employ the left-back, United built a 20 per cent sell-on clause into their original deal – meaning they would pocket €10m (£8.6m) if Madrid’s bid goes through.

NationalWorld has also noted that United hold a £15m buyback option, which could allow them to swoop in, trigger the clause, and then sell him on for a profit.

The decision now rests with Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Both moves would bring in funds – either through the sell-on clause or by taking a more active role in the transfer – as United navigate a challenging summer with a limited budget.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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