The unveiling of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United featured the usual suspects: Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. But it was the appearance of Josh Thompson that raised eyebrows.
The young staff member, seen with his Melitta coffee during Amorim's entry into the academy's makeshift canteen, is more than just a background figure.
Unknown to many fans, Thompson represents Ineos at United's Carrington training ground.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 27.7 per cent stake in United on Christmas Eve, Ineos' sport project manager Thompson has been a prominent figure.
Spotted first at Luton Town in February, he's often seen alongside Sir Dave Brailsford in directors' boxes.
Before Ineos' popularity took a hit following ticket price increases, consecutive Premier League losses, and Ashworth's ousting, whispers of unease about Thompson's Carrington visits were already circulating.
"Literally hanging around so he can meet the new manager," one insider reportedly remarked, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Thompson also escorted marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge through Carrington and Old Trafford in August. Kipchoge's sub-two-hour record in 2019 was orchestrated by Ineos.
When approached about Thompson's role, an Ineos spokesperson stiffened and refused to comment. They also declined to confirm whether Thompson's father is the CEO of one of Ineos' sister companies.
He serves as Brailsford's right-hand man, ensuring smooth operations in relation to his busy schedule.
This includes arranging transportation for officials to and from Carrington or Old Trafford using the HR Carriages Mayfair firm since Ineos took over football operations at United.
Thompson has reportedly been described by a club insider as a vital link between the owners and the club, and a problem solver.
Interestingly, Ed Woodward referred to John Murtough as a "fixer" when he was appointed as football director in March 2021.
Thompson is said to be personable and has made efforts to adapt to a challenging role similar to the team that represented the Glazer family at Carrington.
However, it's acknowledged that some staff may naturally be wary of someone who represents Ineos at Carrington. Another source is said to have claimed Thompson is "going around acting the big shot."
Thompson was the one Ratcliffe turned to for an alternative exit strategy from Wembley after the FA Cup final in May.
Ratcliffe wanted to avoid further questions about Erik ten Hag's future after being approached by a reporter on his way to the dressing room.
Thompson reappeared following the victorious United players, but Ratcliffe did not. He was also seen waiting for the 72-year-old at the Stretford End entrance at the Liverpool match in September, personally escorting him to the directors' lounge.
Thompson was also present when Ratcliffe handed Bruno Fernandes a framed shirt for his 250th club appearance before the 3-0 win against Leicester City, accompanying Ratcliffe from the lounge to the pitchside and back.
Amidst this, Thompson has faced criticism, with some allegedly labelling him a "nepo baby."
The report adds that one disgruntled staff member claimed that Thompson "brings his mates to Carrington and just stands there watching training," which could be hinting at Kipchoge's visit.
Despite these incidents, a Carrington insider described Thompson as a "nice guy."
However, it's claimed a senior United figure has privately expressed doubts about Thompson's role but hesitates to confront the issue. An Ineos representative pointed out that Thompson holds a more junior position and isn't part of the top leadership.
A source familiar with United's internal dynamics commented on the complex hierarchy, saying, "There are so many cooks and egos at United," and expressed surprise at Ashworth's early departure.
Thompson, boasting a solid academic foundation from the International School of Geneva followed by degrees in international business and sport business and leadership from Loughborough University, serves as the Ineos sport project manager.
In his role, he details working "closely supporting both Brailsford, director of INEOS Sport, and Jean-Claude Blanc, CEO of INEOS Sport, to drive performance and synergies across our diverse portfolio of world-class teams."
Even Ratcliffe has conceded that United have a considerable gap to bridge before they can be considered at the top level again.