INEOS officially confirm defender suffers cruciate ligament injury

It’s been nearly three years since INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought an acquisition in Manchester United.

The British billionaire has had his fair share of stick since getting his hands on an initial 27.7% stake in the club in February 2024 and taking control of the sporting side.

Under Michael Carrick, the Red Devils are on a steadier track. Their summer business, sanctioned by Ratcliffe, brought three midfielders in a serious overhaul of the team. United are back in the Champions League too – a competition they hadn’t been in since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival.

As well as having serious involvement in England, Ratcliffe owns Ligue 1 outfit OGC Nice.

INEOS and Ratcliffe have now been handed a huge blow early on in their season, with a serious injury to one of their defenders.

In a club statement, OGC Nice have confirmed, “Injured yesterday against Le Mans, Antoine Mendy underwent examinations which unfortunately confirmed a rupture of a cruciate ligament in his left knee.

“Painful news for Antoine who grew up at the club. He completed all the stages before realizing his dream and wearing the red and black jersey with the pros. A history built over the years, with this determination and this attachment to the club which characterize it.

“Today a different path opens up for him. It will be long, sometimes difficult, and will require a lot of patience. But on this path, Antoine will never be alone. His teammates, the staff, the employees, the supporters: the entire family will be behind him. To encourage him in difficult times, celebrate every small victory and, when the time comes, see him regain his place on the pitch.”

It’s a nice statement and one that sums up the importance to OGC Nice that Antoine Mendy provides.

After a poor start to the season sat just three spots off bottom of the Ligue 1 table, the loss of Mendy will concern INEOS ahead of a big campaign.