Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now overseeing operations at Manchester United following the completion of his minority takeover. There are challenging decisions ahead for the INEOS chief, particularly regarding the future of manager Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag, who has divided fans, faced criticism as Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Fulham in their first match under the official INEOS era.
Ratcliffe has publicly distanced himself from making an immediate decision, but a review of INEOS’ managerial record with both Lausanne-Sport and Nice could provide insight into the potential direction Manchester United might take.
Lausanne-Sport:
1. Fabio Celestini:
– Matches under INEOS: 16
– Celestini had been in charge for over two years before INEOS arrived. Despite previous successes, he was let go after just five months under INEOS due to poor results.
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2. Giorgio Contini:
– Matches under INEOS: 116
– Relegated to the second tier, Contini led Lausanne back to the top flight but surprisingly did not have his contract extended after a respectable sixth-place finish.
3. Ilija Borenovic:
– Matches under INEOS: 22
– Placed in interim charge twice, Borenovic managed just 22 games before being dismissed after poor performance.
4. Alain Casanova:
– Matches under INEOS: 18
– Hired on a caretaker basis, Casanova couldn’t prevent relegation and was let go at the end of the season.
Nice:
1. Patrick Vieira:
– Matches under INEOS: 46
– Vieira was sacked in December 2020 after a year in charge due to poor results and a drop in performances.
2. Adrian Ursea:
– Matches under INEOS: 30
– Given the job until the end of the season, Ursea did a decent job with 11 wins but was not retained.
3. Christophe Galtier:
– Matches under INEOS: 43
– Galtier’s tenure was short but successful, leading Nice to the Coupe de France final and Europa League qualification.
4. Lucien Favre:
– Matches under INEOS: 26
– Favre left after 26 games, failing to meet expectations, and was dismissed after elimination from the Coupe de France.
5. Didier Digard:
– Matches under INEOS: 25
– A unique case, Digard, initially the reserve manager, had a successful stint but was sent back to reserve management for the next season.
These managerial changes provide insight into INEOS’ approach to underperforming managers, with a mix of dismissals and caretaker appointments in response to poor results. The success of Christophe Galtier at Nice suggests that INEOS is willing to make strategic changes for success.