A mole inside Man Utd? INEOS official branded a 'spy' for Sir Jim Ratcliffe amid ongoing cost-cutting measures from Red Devils ownership

This latest development comes as INEOS continues to implement major restructuring plans. The latest round of job cuts will see around 200 employees made redundant, with affected staff expected to learn their fate in April. This follows a previous set of layoffs last year, where 250 positions were eliminated. According to reports from The Telegraph, certain staff members have started to perceive a certain individual as an observer on behalf of Ratcliffe and his leadership team, prompting them to be more cautious about their discussions in his company.

The official in question has been identified as Josh Thompson, who has been described as INEOS’ “eyes and ears” within Manchester United as revealed by Manchester Evening News. Thompson serves as a junior aide to Ratcliffe and effectively acts as the personal assistant to Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ Director of Sport. He is the son of David Thompson, CEO of INEOS Olefins and Polymers Asia. Some within the club have reportedly accused him of benefiting from nepotism, labelling him a "nepo baby" due to his familial connections.

Since joining INEOS Sport as a project manager in 2022, Thompson has been seen at several Manchester United matches, often appearing alongside high-ranking club officials, including Ratcliffe and Brailsford. He was also present during Ruben Amorim’s official introduction after the Portuguese coach was appointed in November. Nonetheless, while some members of the club have been sceptical about Thompson’s role, others have reportedly found him "nice guy" and "personable".

Brailsford had temporarily relocated from Monaco to be more involved in the club’s affairs, particularly overseeing the £50 million redevelopment of Carrington. His frequent presence at the training ground has reportedly unsettled some employees, especially as INEOS continues its restructuring efforts. With uncertainty lingering over job security and operational changes, staff morale remains fragile.