INEOS have officially appointed a former striker as head coach, with Manchester United manager Michael Carrick under increasing pressure following a disastrous start to the season.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, who control football operations at Old Trafford, have faced criticism from supporters, with little improvement evident since their arrival.

United have won just two of their opening nine competitive matches this season, defeating Ipswich Town and Azerbaijani side Sabah FK.

With all due respect to both opponents, those are fixtures United would ordinarily be expected to win.

The disappointing results represent a dramatic decline from Carrick’s impressive spell last season, when he initially transformed the club’s fortunes after taking charge.

His performances earned him the permanent managerial position, but the optimism surrounding his appointment has quickly faded.

United have previously enjoyed success appointing former strikers as managers, most notably Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018, winning 14 of his first 19 matches before receiving a permanent contract in March 2019.

Solskjaer subsequently guided United to second place in the Premier League in 2020/21, although he was dismissed later that year following a collapse in results.

INEOS have now confirmed another managerial appointment involving a former forward.

INEOS appoint new head coach

OGC Nice have officially confirmed that former striker Alexy Bosetti has been appointed head coach of their Under-15s.

The 33-year-old previously represented Nice between 2012 and 2017, making 75 Ligue 1 appearances and scoring ten league goals.

A product of the club’s academy, Bosetti also helped Nice win the Coupe Gambardella in 2012 before representing France’s victorious Under-20 World Cup squad in 2013.

He will continue working alongside academy director Julien Sable within Nice’s Elite group, focusing particularly on developing young strikers.

Bosetti replaces Johan Audel, whom the French club thanked for his contribution.

As previously reported by Centre Devils, INEOS intend to sell Nice, although a takeover has not yet been completed.

The appointment concerns Nice’s academy and has no direct impact on Carrick’s position at Manchester United.