INEOS officially sell forward to Hull City

INEOS have seen plenty of movement across their football operations this summer.

However, their connection to Manchester United has made developments elsewhere particularly interesting for supporters.

United came into the new Premier League season with optimism after an encouraging pre-season and a squad reshaped around Michael Carrick.

That optimism disappeared quickly at the MKM Stadium.

Newly-promoted Hull City beat United 2-0 on the opening weekend.

Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both scored from situations that exposed how vulnerable Carrick’s side were when defending cross and set-pieces.

United had 72 per cent possession but did very little with it.

Their football became predictable, the passing lacked incision and Hull looked far more comfortable than a newly-promoted side facing a Champions League club should have.

It made the defeat particularly embarrassing after the confidence generated during pre-season.

There could still be further changes to United’s attacking options before the window closes.

Joshua Zirkzee is expected to depart at least temporarily after Fiorentina submitted a loan proposal.

Another forward connected to INEOS has now completed a permanent move of his own – and, remarkable, his destination is Hull.

INEOS complete forward sale to Hull City

Mohamed-Ali Cho has officially left OGC Nice to join Hull City on a permanent transfer.

Nice confirmed the agreement on their official website, announcing that the 22-year-old attacker will now continue his career in the Premier League.

Cho joined Nice from Real Sociedad in January 2024 and developed into a useful attacking option capable of operating centrally or from wider areas, using his acceleration and direct running to attack spaces rather than simply waiting for service in the box.

The transfer also carries an obvious Manchester United connection.

INEOS owns Nice outright, while it is a co-owner of Manchester United and retains responsibility for football operations at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe founded and chairs INEOS, although the Glazer family remain United’s controlling shareholders.

Ratcliffe has also been looking to reduce INEOS’ involvement with Nice.

Reports earlier this year have claimed that the asking price for the French club had continued to fall as a buyer proved difficult to find.

For Hull, though, the immediate focus is strengthening the squad that already showed against United that promotion has not left them intimidated by Premier League opposition.