Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing critique of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, accusing the new minority owners of undoing any goodwill they initially generated and failing to address the club’s alarming decline. Ferdinand, a key figure in United’s golden era under Sir Alex Ferguson, has expressed his dismay at the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, where the club finds itself languishing in 15th place in the Premier League under manager Ruben Amorim.
INEOS, which acquired a 27.7% stake in United for £1.25 billion last year, was initially hailed as a potential saviour following years of fan protests against the Glazer family’s ownership. However, Ferdinand believes the group has squandered that early optimism through a series of missteps, including staff redundancies, cost-cutting measures, and a lack of clear direction on and off the pitch.
A Club in Crisis: Ferdinand’s Blunt Assessment
Speaking on his show Rio Presents, Ferdinand did not hold back in his assessment of INEOS’ impact since taking the reins. He argued that the group had failed to capitalise on the opportunity to unite the fanbase and restore the club to its former glory.
“With INEOS, they couldn’t have come into Manchester United in a better circumstance than they did,” Ferdinand said. “The fans were absolutely against the Glazers and they have been for a while. So they had huge kudos when they walked through the front door.”
However, Ferdinand believes that INEOS has quickly eroded that goodwill through a series of questionable decisions.
“They have gone quickly towards reversing that with the things they have done. The culling of jobs, the staff of the football club – from the outside, I look at it and think: ‘Could they have done it in a different way?’”
Ferdinand also suggested that INEOS should have approached the Glazers to reduce the significant sums they extract from the club annually.
“Could they have gone to the Glazers and said: ‘Look, could we cut some of the money you are taking out as a sort of management fee every year?’ – which is in the 20s of millions of pounds. Every year they take out. Sacrifice a little bit here, please, for the good of this club that you invested a lot of time in, and let us have a chance to get back to the top.”
The Glazers’ Role: A Lingering Shadow
While Ferdinand’s criticism is primarily directed at INEOS, he also highlighted the ongoing influence of the Glazer family as a major obstacle to progress. The American owners have long been a source of frustration for United fans, with their perceived prioritisation of financial gain over sporting success drawing widespread condemnation.
Ferdinand’s comments underscore the challenges INEOS faces in navigating the complex ownership structure at United. While Ratcliffe’s group has been tasked with overseeing football operations, the Glazers’ continued involvement and their annual dividends remain a contentious issue.
Amorim’s Struggles: A Manager Under Pressure
On the pitch, Ruben Amorim’s tenure has done little to inspire confidence. The Portuguese manager, who arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising coaches, has struggled to implement his tactical vision amid a squad lacking in quality and cohesion.
United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday was their 12th league loss of the season, leaving them closer to the relegation zone than the top four. This alarming form has raised serious questions about Amorim’s ability to lead the club forward, with reports suggesting that INEOS is already considering potential replacements.
Ferdinand’s criticism of INEOS extends to their handling of the managerial situation. While Amorim has been instructed to offload players before making new signings, the lack of investment in the squad has left the manager with limited resources to address the team’s glaring deficiencies.
A Call for Unity and Vision
Ferdinand’s comments reflect the growing frustration among United fans, who have endured a decade of decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. The club’s fall from grace has been stark, with a lack of clear leadership and direction contributing to their struggles on and off the pitch.
For Ferdinand, the solution lies in a united approach that prioritises the long-term success of the club over short-term financial gains.
“Sacrifice a little bit here, please, for the good of this club,” he urged, addressing both INEOS and the Glazers. “Let us have a chance to get back to the top.”
The Road Ahead: A Critical Juncture for United
As Manchester United navigate one of the most challenging periods in their history, the pressure is mounting on INEOS to deliver tangible progress. The upcoming summer transfer window will be a crucial test of their ambition, with significant investment needed to rebuild the squad and restore the club’s competitive edge.
For Rio Ferdinand and the United faithful, the hope is that INEOS can learn from their early missteps and provide the leadership and vision needed to return the club to its former glory. However, as Ferdinand’s comments make clear, time is running out to turn the tide.
What are your thoughts on Rio Ferdinand’s criticism of INEOS and the Glazers? Do you agree with his assessment, or do you think the new owners deserve more time to implement their plans? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media channels.
