Manchester United's new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, are making waves with their radical approach to reshape the club's future by distancing themselves from its illustrious past, including the legacy of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils are experiencing one of their most challenging seasons in recent memory, currently languishing in 15th place in the Premier League after 26 matches. Their latest fixture saw them secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Goodison Park against Everton, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte salvaging a point for the struggling giants.
However, the club's difficulties extend beyond the pitch. Facing significant financial challenges, INEOS has implemented stringent cost-cutting measures that have already resulted in job losses. The situation is set to worsen, with reports indicating that an additional 200 employees may be laid off following a meeting with ownership on Monday.
In a particularly controversial move, INEOS has terminated Sir Alex Ferguson's ambassadorial role at the club, citing financial considerations. According to sources, the company has taken the unprecedented step of attributing some blame to Ferguson for the club's current predicament and is actively working to distance United from their glory days.
A club insider revealed to The Mirror the extent of this new approach: "INEOS want absolutely nothing to do with the past. They don't want to hear how things were done when United were winning 13 Premier League titles and they won't accept any suggestion that lessons can be learned from when the club's greatest-ever manager was in charge."
The source further emphasized the radical nature of this strategy, stating, "It's all very well drawing a line under the last 12 years and saying 'let's move on.' But it's become an obsession not to mention the period when United were one of the best teams in Europe."
The team, now under Ruben Amorim's management, will look to improve their fortunes when they host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford in their next Premier League fixture on Wednesday. However, with INEOS's determined stance to break from the past, the club appears to be entering uncharted territory in its storied history.
