Jim Ratcliffe criticizes UEFA for their "unfair" restrictions, which prevented a Manchester United deal.

As they continue their search for a center back, Man United has had their eye on French defender Jean-Clair Todibo for some time.

However, UEFA regulations have now blocked the 24-year-old from joining the Red Devils.

Ratcliffe's business Nice, a Ligue 1 team, is also owned by INEOS, which has prompted UEFA to launch an ongoing investigation.

According to the UEFA Statutes, 'control or influence over more than one of their clubs whenever the integrity of any match or tournament organised at Member Association level could be jeopardised' cannot be exercised by an individual or a party.

Put another way, Man United and Nice will not be allowed to play in the Europa League together if UEFA decides that they belong to the same legal organization.

However, UEFA stated in May that no team that was being evaluated for this ownership regulation at the time would be permitted to move players between the clubs in question.

The minority stakeholder for Man United has voiced his opposition to the rule, even if he did not mention Todibo by name.

"They’ve said we can sell him to another Premiership club, but we can't sell to Manchester United," he stated to Bloomberg.

"But I don't see what that achieves, and it's unfair to the player."

Ratcliffe will continue to be restricted by UEFA in his ability to do business with both clubs because he has no intention of selling any of them. However, Man United's inability to sign Todibo will not help with their lackluster Premier League campaign last year.