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The INEOS era at Manchester United has been riddled with controversial decisions, and while some have been defensible, others have left fans scratching their heads in disbelief.
Dan Ashworth’s brief tenure as sporting director was a saga in itself.
After waiting for him through months of gardening leave and paying £3 million for his services, INEOS parted ways with him in just five months.
While some argue this was rash, I believe the decision was justified especially if reports that Ashworth pushed for Gareth Southgate as manager are true.
Such an irrational recommendation shows a fundamental disconnect with the club’s ambitions, seeing Southgate’s utter failure as England manager in playing attacking, fluid football.
If Ashworth’s vision didn’t align with United’s goals, cutting ties quickly was the right move and as much as we enjoyed refreshing long term signings, we needed short term fixes as well.
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The ticket price hike to £66 for all, including children and the elderly alike, has been a lightning rod for criticism.
On one hand, it rejects less fortunate fans, the heart and soul of the club.
However, if this move truly contributes to restoring United to the pinnacle of football, I reluctantly see its merit.
Success comes at a cost, though the club must be careful not to price out the very supporters who make Old Trafford special.
INEOS also implemented significant redundancies at the club, with notable names let go.
While some restructuring might be necessary, it’s troubling when these cuts start affecting the club’s long-term stability and identity.
The decision to sack Erik ten Hag after six months was another misstep, the results were poor and the injuries prior to the sacking were even worse.
Initially, I believed INEOS would provide the structure he needed to thrive, but their poor recruitment and lack of proper backing failed both the manager and the club.
The chaotic approach to appointing a successor—interviewing candidates after the FA Cup Final while trying to mend things with Ten Hag—only contributed to the disaster.
In reality, he should have either been sacked before the pre-season started or after this season ended; being revisional, the former would have been the best option to get Ruben Amorim for this past summer.
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The temporary facilities for the women’s team were a poor reflection on the club’s priorities.
While I understand the logistical challenges, this move showed a lack of commitment to both of the club’s teams.
The former captain’s public concerns highlighted how this decision undermined the women’s team, tarnishing the club’s reputation further.
The controversy over stopping Sir Alex Ferguson’s paycheck divided opinion.
Personally, I agree with this decision.
Ferguson’s contributions to the club are invaluable, but his impact goes beyond monetary compensation.
As the modern game evolves, his role must adapt to suit the current landscape.
Ferguson’s legacy is undeniable, and his guidance will remain vital, but paying him should not overshadow the need to modernize and make better financial contributions.
INEOS entered Manchester United with lofty promises, but their track record so far has been marked by inconsistency, poor communication, and questionable priorities.
While some decisions may have logic behind them, the execution has often left much to be improved upon.
Fans deserve a clearer vision and leadership that reflects the values and ambitions of this historic club.
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