Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has signified a major culture change at Old Trafford after one Manchester United legend opened up about the invitation that he received.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured his minority stake purchase in Manchester United in 2023, which was later ratified by the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League.
The 71-year-old British billionaire’s Ineos team has been placed at the helm of football operations at Old Trafford after Ratcliffe became co-owner at United.
United have already made changes behind the scenes since Ratcliffe’s arrival, including the announcement of Omar Berrada as the club’s new chief executive.
According to reports earlier this month, Ratcliffe’s changes at United have also extended to an end to remote work for staff at the Premier League club.
The Ineos chief’s arrival at Old Trafford has also cast uncertainty around Erik ten Hag’s long-term future as manager amid United’s underwhelming season.
Ineos’ presence is expected to be felt in the summer window and the overhaul of United’s squad, with the likes of Raphael Varane already set to leave the club.
Ratcliffe and Ineos extend invitation to Man Utd legend
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, who is director of sport at Ineos, both visited the Carrington training complex and met with players and staff in January.
The Manchester United co-owner and Sir Dave Brailsford have also been spotted in the stands watching the Red Devils in action after the Ineos chief’s part takeover.
Ratcliffe has outlined his big ambitions for United going forward, including the construction of a new stadium amid Old Trafford’s deteriorating state.
Reports have also emerged this month that Carrington could undergo a major overhaul in the summer amid Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans for the club.
Wayne Rooney appeared on the Stick to Football show alongside United legends Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Andy Cole, as well as Arsenal hero Ian Wright and Jill Scott.
The United legend revealed he visits United’s training complex due to his son Kai Rooney being part of the club’s youth academy.
Rooney said that he doesn’t enter the building where the first-team players are, even though the new United co-owners have opened the door for him to visit.
“I’m at United’s training ground most days now – obviously with my kids – and I don’t go in that building,” he said on The Overlap.
“To be fair, the new owners who have come in, obviously, have said, ‘Come in any time you want,’ but I just don’t feel… for me, it’s got to be a manager [who talks to the first-team players].”
Rooney’s feelings on Man Utd co-owner Ratcliffe
Rooney, who has been on punditry duties since his sacking from Birmingham City, had admitted that he expects big changes from Ratcliffe and Co at United.
Speaking ahead of United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, the 38-year-old former United striker believes that everyone at the club is fighting for their futures.
“I think they all are [fighting for their futures],” he said on Sky Sports.
“Managers, players, coaches, recruitment. The whole club.
“This end of the season they have some difficult games coming up and then they have the FA Cup final.
“For me, as a player, you have to show you work and that you want to play for this football club.
“That has to start from today, you can’t just turn it on for the FA Cup final. It has to start from today.”