Ineos hire new head coach at OGC Nice as Manchester United uncertainty continues

Ineos have appointed a new head coach and a new sporting director at OGC Nice amid the continued uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Manchester United.

While it remains to be seen what will happen next with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, the Ineos Group have just appointed Franck Haise as the new head coach of the Ligue 1 side. Along with the appointment of a new head coach, OGC Nice have also hired a new sporting director with Florian Maurice taking up the role on the French Riviera.

Ineos have been in chare of the French side since they completed their takeover back in 2019, while their initial purchase of a 27.7% stake in United was completed in February, with them taking control of football operations from the Glazer family. 

Speaking after the news was confirmed on Thursday, Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère praised the club for being able to make the two key appointments 'in a very short space of time'.

“It’s a satisfaction to have been able, in a very short time, to lay the foundations for the future,” he said. "The total alignment of management, each in their role, the involvement of Fabrice (Bocquet, general manager) and the fluidity of all the teams contributed to achieving the first objective of the transfer window: installing a sports director and a coach competent, with great professional and human qualities, ready to work together for the success of the club."

On the appointment of former RC Lens manager Haise as the new head coach, Rivère stated his delight at being able to appoint their 'number one choice' for the vacancy.

He added: “Franck is a recognized technician, with a lot of skills and a global vision drawn from his numerous experiences, both among professionals than at the training level. We think he is the ideal person to continue the club's project and to allow us to reach a new level. The meeting with Franck Haise and his wife seduced us, the determination and the desire to be a long-term member of our club as well. Franck was our number one choice, and we are very happy with his arrival."

The appointment of Haise comes exactly two weeks to the day since former manager Francesco Farioli left the club to take charge of Ajax. Saturday will also mark two weeks to the day since United won the FA Cup, with the uncertainty still surrounding the future of Ten Hag following a season in which they recorded their lowest Premier League finish, but did so while battling a severe injury crisis.