Man United, INEOS and a failing sports empire

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Matt Slater to discuss Manchester United's ongoing struggles, including recent accusations of negligence against the club's leadership as they face a dismal start to the season. The discussion centers around a significant loss against Como, where Bruno Fernandes criticized manager Michael Carrick's tactics post-match, suggesting a disconnect and lack of confidence within the team.

The panel reflects on whether Fernandes' criticism was warranted, with some suggesting it adds to the already tense atmosphere. They explore the broader culture at Manchester United, with increasing unrest among players and management leading to questions about Carrick’s suitability for the job. Furthermore, there's a conversation about the challenges facing Ineos, the ownership group led by Jim Ratcliffe, as they navigate disappointing performances across their various sports investments, including Nice and other teams.

The episode also touches upon the complexities of ownership decisions at Manchester United, addressing issues around recruitment and management strategies that seem to mirror failures seen at other Ineos-owned clubs. The podcast concludes with reflections on the potential long-term impact of Ratcliffe's leadership and the future direction of Manchester United.