How Roy Keane earned small fortune from Glazers’ Man Utd takeover thanks to genius contract clause

ROY KEANE has revealed he made money out of the Glazers buying Manchester United in 2005.

The Irishman was the Red Devils captain at the time of the Americans’ takeover.

PARoy Keane profited from the Glazers buying Man Utd in 2005[/caption]

AFPThe Glazers are selling 25 per cent of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe[/caption]

Malcolm Glazer first invested in Man Utd in 2003, initially buying 2.9 per cent of the club for £9million.

He gradually increased his stake and in just over two years they had complete control.

Buying United cost the Glazers £790m and a small portion of the amount went into Keane’s pocket.

A clause in his contract meant he had shares in the club, which were eventually snapped up by the Glazers.

Lifting the lid on the takeover 18 years ago, Keane said in his book The Second Half: “From the players’ point of view, it didn’t bother us too much.

“I had a few shares in the club as part of my contract.

“So the Glazers coming in was worth a few bob to me.”

The unpopular owners are now selling 25 per cent of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Ineos’ chief has paid £1.03billion for the share and he will be in charge of football operations.

Ratcliffe’s deal was confirmed on Christmas Eve – but he will not be allowed to get to work until the move is ratified by chiefs.

The British billionaire has already written to Man Utd supporters and vowed to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

However, he has called for fans to be “patient” as he tries to fix the club.