INEOS are facing mounting criticism over their running of Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s football operation coming under intense scrutiny following another disastrous start to the season.

Ratcliffe completed his minority investment in February 2024, securing control of football operations while the Glazer family retained majority ownership.

His arrival promised a revolution, but controversial cost-cutting, staff redundancies and questionable recruitment decisions have fuelled supporter anger.

INEOS appointed Omar Berrada as chief executive and Jason Wilcox as director of football, entrusting them with rebuilding United’s football structure.

However, Wilcox has faced particularly fierce criticism.

Before his January dismissal, Ruben Amorim publicly challenged the hierarchy, insisting he was employed as a “manager, not a coach” following disagreements over tactics.

Lisandro Martinez subsequently called out Wilcox, declaring: “I expect more from our technical director.”

United’s summer recruitment prioritised three midfielders while leaving serious weaknesses at left-back and centre-forward.

Michael Carrick has consequently struggled, winning just two of his opening 12 competitive matches this season.

Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth extended United’s winless run to eight games, triggering furious chants against Ratcliffe, the Glazers and Wilcox.

Supporters have repeatedly demanded that both ownership groups leave Old Trafford.

Now, INEOS’ attempts to secure a major sale elsewhere have reportedly encountered another significant obstacle.

INEOS demanding excessive fee to sell club

Investigative journalist Romain Molina claims INEOS have spent at least two years attempting to sell OGC Nice without attracting serious buyer interest.

The French club’s substantial financial losses and Ratcliffe’s excessive asking price are reportedly preventing a takeover.

Molina described the demanded fee as “far, far too high”, suggesting INEOS’ valuation remains unrealistic despite their prolonged search for investors.

Given the club’s financial difficulties, a sale appears increasingly unlikely without a significant compromise from Ratcliffe.

The journalist also criticised INEOS’ decision to put Lausanne-Sport on the market, accusing the company of maintaining similarly unrealistic expectations.

INEOS purchased Nice in 2019, but their ownership has failed to deliver the sustained sporting success initially promised.

For now, neither club has been sold, leaving Ratcliffe facing difficult decisions across his football portfolio.

Cela fait au moins deux ans qu’INEOS cherche à vendre l’OGC Nice mais personne ne se bouscule à cause du prix demandé (bien, bien trop haut) et des pertes abyssales du club

Maintenant, INEOS met en vente le Lausanne-Sport et continue d’avoir des prétentions délirantes…

J’ai rarement vu un groupe faire toujours les mêmes erreurs mais vu que les “conseillers” (plutôt des courtisans) de Ratcliffe n’osent rien lui dire…

— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) October 27, 2026