Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS have faced growing scrutiny since assuming control of Manchester United’s football operations, with supporters demanding significant improvements at Old Trafford.

The British billionaire completed his initial 27.7 per cent investment in February 2024, taking responsibility for the club’s sporting direction while the Glazer family retained majority ownership.

Since then, INEOS have overseen major changes behind the scenes, including the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director in April 2024.

United have also invested heavily in their playing squad, with Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arriving during the summer transfer window.

However, those additions have failed to deliver the immediate transformation supporters expected.

Michael Carrick’s side have won just twice in nine matches this season, with Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid intensifying criticism of the club’s leadership.

Following that defeat, Lisandro Martinez publicly questioned United’s hierarchy, specifically challenging Wilcox and whether Carrick had received sufficient backing.

The Argentine subsequently apologised after meeting the club’s leadership and manager, acknowledging that his frustration had influenced his comments.

Despite the controversy surrounding United, Ratcliffe’s wider business empire has continued pursuing major opportunities.

INEOS reach final seven in £2.5 billion race

According to The Sun, INEOS Automotive has reached the final seven bidders competing for a British Ministry of Defence contract worth approximately £2.5 billion.

The contract concerns replacing the British Army’s ageing Land Rover Defender fleet with new light mobility vehicles.

Fourteen companies initially entered the competition, with seven remaining ahead of prototype testing this month.

INEOS are proposing military versions of their Grenadier, competing against manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover.

The Army could eventually acquire up to 8,500 vehicles, including ambulances, troop carriers and utility vehicles.

The latest development follows INEOS’ previous expansion of their bidding consortium, bringing additional specialist partners into the project.

INEOS Automotive executive Tony Lewis emphasised the importance of providing reliable equipment capable of protecting soldiers.

The armoured Grenadier weighs approximately 5.8 tonnes and incorporates protective engineering designed to reduce injuries from explosions beneath the vehicle.

Although INEOS have reached the final stage, no contract has yet been awarded.