INEOS star officially confirms retirement after 18 years

INEOS have become an increasingly familiar name to Manchester United supporters since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his minority investment in the club and took control of football operations.

The British billionaire arrived promising to restore United to the summit.

However, his regime has also attracted fierce criticism from sections of the fanbase.

Around 450 jobs have been cut during Ratcliffe’s drive to reduce costs.

Meanwhile, decisions including removing staff benefits and increasing some ticket prices have caused further anger.

United initially raised remaining members’ tickets to £66 without concessions for children or pensioners, while season-ticket holders have also been affected by changes designed to increase hospitality revenue.

Ratcliffe has defended the wider cuts as necessary to repair the club’s finances.

The discontent has spilled onto the streets around Old Trafford, with supporters protesting against both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family.

Ratcliffe even used an alternative entrance before the Manchester derby earlier this month as demonstrations took place, with supporters making their feelings towards United’s ownership clear.

However, INEOS’ sporting interests stretch considerably further than Old Trafford, and one long-serving figure from another part of their portfolio is preparing to say goodbye.

INEOS star confirms retirement

British cyclist Ben Swift has officially announced that he will retire from professional cycling after 18 seasons.

The 38-year-old confirmed the decision through his official Instagram account on September 1, explaining that he wanted to finish his career while he could still compete at a level he enjoyed.

Swift turned professional in 2009 before joining Team Sky the following year.

Apart from two seasons with UAE Team Emirates. he has remained with the same organisation through its evolution from Sky to INEOS Grenadiers and now Netcompany-INEOS.

His career has included two British road race titles and podium finishes at Milan-San Remo, but his value has increasingly been found in experience and leadership as a road captain.

Swift’s final professional appearance is scheduled to come at Paris-Tours in October, bringing the curtain down on a career which has stretched across almost two decades.