Patrick Vieira, the Arsenal legend and former Nice manager, has spoken positively about working under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, despite being sacked by the INEOS owner in 2020. Vieira managed the Ligue 1 side between June 2018 and December 2020, before being dismissed following a run of five consecutive defeats that left Nice 11th in the table.
Vieira on Ratcliffe's management style
In an interview with FourFourTwo, Vieira was complimentary of Ratcliffe's approach, stating: "He'd never interfere with my work. We'd talk about football when we met, about the team and our lives, but he's not an owner who will get involved too much and prevent the manager from doing his job."
He added: "His ambitions and expectations are high, so you know where you stand, but you can do your job freely."
Ratcliffe's managerial turnover at Nice
Despite Vieira's positive words, Ratcliffe's patience appears limited. Nice are now on their eighth manager since Vieira's sacking less than six years ago. Olivier Pantaloni, appointed in the summer, is currently in charge, with Nice sitting 10th in the table after eight games.
Ratcliffe's football interests extend beyond Manchester United, as INEOS also owns French club Nice and Swiss side FC Lausanne-Sport.
Carrick's future at Manchester United
Ratcliffe is now preparing to sack his third Manchester United manager since INEOS took charge of football operations at Old Trafford almost three years ago. Michael Carrick is expected to be dismissed after the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, with United fans directing their frustration at Ratcliffe and the Glazers during the match.
Asked if he expected to be in charge for Saturday's game at Chelsea, Carrick said: "I take the responsibility, I've said that, I accept the responsibility. Whatever is going to happen results-wise, whether we win, we lose, draw. Whatever happens through the whole football club, I'm in this position because I respect the position that I'm in, and the responsibility is mine. What else can I say really right now?"
He added: "I totally understand the situation. I'm not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I'm carrying on as normal. I love this place. I'll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything really, so that's kind of it. You know, I'm not expecting anything either way."
