Josh Thompson is INEOS' day to day 'eyes and ears' at Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's junior right-hand man having been very visible at the club's training ground
18:52, 10 Dec 2024Updated 18:52, 10 Dec 2024
INEOS
Josh Thompson (left), sitting two rows behind Sir Dave Brailsford at Old Trafford(Image: Getty)
The unveiling of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United brought with it some familiar faces in the form of Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox.
But it was the appearance of the lesser-known Josh Thompson that sparked curiosity. Thompson, the young staffer who timed his Melitta coffee run to coincide with Amorim's entrance at the academy building canteen, is actually INEOS' main man at United's Carrington training ground.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took a 27.7 per cent stake in United on Christmas Eve, INEOS sports project manager Thompson has been an ever-present figure, initially spotted at Luton Town in February and often seen near Sir Dave Brailsford in directorial suites. Some insiders at United have scoffingly referred to him as Brailsford's "bag man".
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Before INEOS' popularity took a nosedive, following controversies over ticket pricing, league losses, and Ashworth's removal, there were rumblings of discontent regarding Thompson's frequent appearances at Carrington.
An insider said: "Literally hanging around so he can meet the new manager," referring to Thompson's attendance. Notably, he escorted marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge at Carrington and Old Trafford in August.
When asked for clarity on Thompson's role, an INEOS spokesperson was less than forthcoming, deflecting questions about his role, and also dodged confirming if Thompson's father holds a CEO position within INEOS' sister companies, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Behind the scenes at Manchester United, Thompson has been keeping Sir Dave Brailsford's schedule on track like a personal assistant, taking care of every logistical detail including securing vehicles for officials travelling to and from Carrington or Old Trafford. Since INEOS took over football operations, the HR Carriages Mayfair company has become their go-to.
Thompson at Luton in February
Thompson at Luton in February(Image: No credit)
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A club insider has described Thompson as the crucial link between United's owners and the club itself, referring to him as a 'connector' and a 'fixer'. Notably, Ed Woodward once used the same term, "fixer", when he named John Murtough as football director back in March 2021.
One insider remarked that Thompson is a people-person who's been proactive about integrating himself into a challenging role, reminiscent of those who carried out the Glazer family's bidding within Carrington. Yet, it's acknowledged that some staff are innately wary of Thompson, seeing him as the living representation of INEOS on site.
Another source criticised Thompson, alleging he's been too showy, "going around acting the big shot".
It was also Thompson who Ratcliffe turned to for an alternate exit strategy after the FA Cup final in May when avoiding a reporter became necessary at Wembley. Despite his best efforts to steer clear by consulting with Thompson, Ratcliffe found himself ambushed by a journalist keen on Erik ten Hag's prospects, nullifying Thompson's careful planning.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a huge call in letting Dan Ashworth leave
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a huge call in letting Dan Ashworth leave(Image: Getty)
Even while the victorious United squad celebrated, Thompson returned and an elusive Ratcliffe was nowhere to be seen.
Thompson was seen waiting for Ratcliffe at the Stretford End entrance during the Liverpool match in September, personally escorting him to the directors' lounge. He was also present when Ratcliffe gave Bruno Fernandes a framed shirt for his 250th club appearance before the Leicester City game, accompanying Ratcliffe from the lounge down the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand and back again after the presentation.
Amidst this close association with Ratcliffe, some have labelled Thompson a 'nepo baby'. One disgruntled staff member alleged that Thompson "brings his mates to Carrington and just stands there watching training".
Thompson's conduct towards a lift attendant at Wembley ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City didn't go unnoticed, drawing criticism from a colleague. However, a Carrington insider defended him as a "nice guy".
Thompson greets Ratcliffe in the Old Trafford tunnel
Thompson greets Ratcliffe in the Old Trafford tunnel(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Despite these mixed reviews, a high-ranking United official has privately expressed doubts about Thompson's role but seems hesitant to voice them. An INEOS insider pointed out that Thompson holds a more junior position and isn't on the senior leadership team.
A source familiar with United's internal workings commented on the complex dynamics, saying: "There are so many cooks and egos at United," and noted that while they anticipated someone would eventually leave, they didn't expect it to be Ashworth or so soon.
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Thompson, an alumni of the International School of Geneva and Loughborough University, boasts degrees in international business and sport business and leadership. At INEOS, his role as sport project manager involves him working "closely supporting both Sir Dave 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."
Despite this professional backing, even Ratcliffe confesses that United are still far from being world-class.