Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos finally make controversial call on role for Man Utd legend, it will deeply divide fans again

According to shocking rumours, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have made a significant choice on a possible job at Old Trafford for a legend of Manchester United.

Prior to its ratification in early 2024, the 72-year-old co-owner of Manchester United acquired his minority ownership in the Premier League team in late 2023.

The Premier League team’s football operations were taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team after the British billionaire became a co-owner.

Behind the scenes at United, the British millionaire has made significant changes, including giving Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada important roles.

In addition to reorganising the United hierarchy, Ratcliffe’s staff has taken steps to change the Red Devils’ culture and reduce operating expenses.

A return-to-office order for June and a signal to stop remote work for United employees were two of the major reforms implemented during the Ratcliffe era.

Man Utd legend is chosen by Ratcliffe and Ineos.
The Daily Star claims that Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have now made the contentious decision to deny Wayne Rooney an ambassadorial position at Old Trafford.

Many people consider Wayne Rooney to be among the greatest strikers of all time, and the Manchester United icon had an incredible tenure at Old Trafford.

With United, the 39-year-old England star won three League Cups, five Premier League crowns, a Europa League trophy, an FA Cup, and a Champions League trophy.

Rooney, who is now manager of Plymouth Argyle, surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton in the goalscoring rankings and became the Red Devils’ all-time top scorer.

According to the Daily Star, Rooney’s ambassadorial contract was rejected by Ratcliffe and company, and United “wouldn’t offer” him the position while he “remains in work” as a manager.

Several former players, notably Red Devils greats Denis Irwin, Andy Cole, Nemanja Vidic, and Peter Schmeichel, are currently ambassadors for United.

The debate surrounding Ratcliffe’s ambassadorial roles
At the end of the 2024–25 season, Ratcliffe and Ineos called for Sir Alex Ferguson to be fired from his ambassadorial position at United, which sparked controversy.

Before the news broke in October, Sir Alex Ferguson spoke with Ratcliffe, and their discussion of the matter ended “amicably.”

Even after his ambassadorial contract expired, the renowned former United manager continued to routinely attend games and hold his spot in the directors’ box.

Ratcliffe’s decision to terminate Ferguson’s contract, which sharply divided United supporters, was a component of Ineos’ ambitions to increase expenditure efficiency.

Former United players who criticised Ratcliffe and company’s decision to replace former head coach Ferguson included Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes.