Manchester United’s legendary defender Rio Ferdinand has delivered a damning assessment of the club’s current state under INEOS co-ownership, as the Red Devils languish in 15th place in the Premier League table. The former England international’s comments reflect the growing discontent among supporters and ex-players alike, as the initial optimism surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford has rapidly dissipated.
INEOS: From Heroes to Villains
Ferdinand, speaking on his “Rio Presents” show, highlighted the stark contrast between INEOS’ initial reception and their current standing among fans. “With INEOS, they couldn’t have come into Manchester United in a better circumstance than they did,” he remarked. “The fans were absolutely against the Glazers and they have been for a while. So they have huge kudos when they walk through the front door.”
However, this goodwill has been squandered through a series of controversial decisions and what many perceive as mismanagement of the club’s resources and personnel.
Managerial Merry-Go-Round
One of the most criticised aspects of INEOS’ tenure has been their handling of the managerial situation. Despite backing Erik ten Hag with significant transfer funds last summer, the Dutchman was unceremoniously sacked early in the season, incurring substantial costs for the club. The subsequent appointment of Ruben Amorim, while initially met with cautious optimism, has raised eyebrows due to the dramatic shift in playing style and personnel requirements.
Cost-Cutting Measures and Fan Backlash
INEOS’ approach to streamlining the club’s operations has been particularly contentious. Ferdinand voiced his concerns about the widespread job cuts affecting day-to-day staff, questioning the ethics of such decisions when players’ exorbitant salaries remain untouched. “They have gone quickly towards reversing that [huge kudos] with the things they have done. The culling of the jobs, the staff of the football club and, from the outside, I look at it and think ‘could they have done it in a different way?’,” Ferdinand stated.
A Call for Accountability
In a pointed suggestion, Ferdinand proposed an alternative approach to cost-cutting that would target the ownership rather than the workforce. “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,” he posited. “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 Road Ahead
While it’s believed that INEOS did approach the Glazers about foregoing their dividends, Ferdinand’s comments encapsulate the widespread frustration and scepticism surrounding the club’s direction. The toxic atmosphere at Old Trafford is palpable, with fans increasingly disillusioned by the lack of progress on and off the pitch.
As Manchester United continue to struggle under Ruben Amorim’s stewardship, the pressure on INEOS to deliver tangible improvements grows. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can regain the trust of the United faithful and steer the club back towards its former glory.
The situation at Manchester United serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing modern football ownership, where the delicate balance between financial prudence and sporting success is constantly under scrutiny. As the Red Devils fight to climb up the Premier League table, the eyes of the footballing world remain fixed on Old Trafford, waiting to see if INEOS can turn the tide and restore Manchester United to its rightful place among football’s elite.
