It is understood the chemical giant, led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is edging closer to securing investment in the club, believed to be worth 1.3billion. Ineos is the leading contender after Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani withdrew from the takeover race last month.
Ineos already has investments in elite-level sport, including football, purchasing French side OGC Nice back in 2019. Under their stewardship, the Ligue 1 club has made gradual progress, currently finding themselves top of the Ligue 1 table this season, one point ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
Nice supporters have shown signs of discontent towards Ineos and Ratcliffe in recent years, though, with many believing progress should have been quicker and more forthcoming because of the financial clout available to them. However, Silvestre, who spent nine years at Old Trafford, believes the company is still finding its feet in the world of sport, highlighting why patience will be needed if they strike a deal with the Glazers.
“When you have clubs like Lyon, Bordeaux, St Etienne, who are monsters in the history of French football [it is difficult],” said Silvestre, speaking to bettingexpert.com. “Bordeaux is down, St Etienne is down and Lyon are last in the table.
“So if you look at this perspective, they&aposve done okay at Nice. But yes, they&aposre still learning about this specific sport. They&aposve got experience in other domains, and you can transfer that knowledge, but football is a different beast.
“Coming from France to Manchester United, everything is different. From the history of the club to the magnitude, the status and the expectations.
“There will be a learning process because if you&aposre thrown at the deep end like this, it&aposs extremely challenging.”
A lot of anger and frustration has been vented towards Ineos and Ratcliffe during their premiership at Nice so far, mainly because they have not chucked as much money at new players as most supporters would have wished for. However, Silvestre has pointed out the strict financial rules in place in French football.
He added: “Look, Nice, this season, they&aposre doing well. They&aposve had some tough times, but when you&aposre new to a sport and it&aposs a sport and business at the highest level.
