Paul Scholes Criticizes Manchester United’s Owners INEOS, Claiming Lack Of Positive Impact

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has expressed his discontent with the club’s ownership group, INEOS, claiming that he cannot identify any positive contributions they have made since acquiring a stake in the club last year. Scholes’ comments come amidst United’s struggles on the pitch, which have seen them endure one of their worst starts to a Premier League season in history.

INEOS, led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, acquired a 27.7% stake in United in December 2023, increasing their shareholding last month. However, the changes off the pitch have not translated to improved performances on it, with the club struggling under managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Speaking on The Overlap Football Fan Debate, Scholes said, “[INEOS] have been in charge [of United] for nearly a year now and everything is still negative. I can’t think of something positive that they’ve done for the football club.”

The former United midfielder also criticized the club’s decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per league game, with no concessions for children or pensioners. The move prompted protests from fans, with Scholes adding his voice to the concerns over Ratcliffe’s overall impact.

“Things are getting worse on the football pitch so couldn’t they have just said that they’d do cheaper tickets — couldn’t they just give us something positive? How can you ask Manchester United fans to pay more money with what’s on the football pitch?” Scholes questioned.

He further emphasized the lack of positive developments at the club, saying, “Where do these owners get the front to put ticket prices up for what we’re watching? For the value, we’re probably having our worst ever Premier League season and they’ve got the cheek to put the prices up. There is nothing positive happening with that football club. The team look bang average. They’re not doing anything for fans.”

Scholes also expressed his disappointment with Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan, for increasing ticket prices despite the team’s poor performances. “If we’ve got Sir Jim Ratcliffe, compared to all these American owners, who’s been a United fan since growing up in an area in Manchester, and he’s still hiking prices up. It just shows that they don’t care,” he added.

Manchester United currently sit 13th in the Premier League table following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The club’s next fixture is an FA Cup third-round tie against Arsenal on Sunday, as they look to turn their season around and appease the growing discontent among fans and former players alike.