Manchester United have recently sent players to train at Ineos owned FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland, hinting at a developing partnership between the two clubs.
The Red Devils used to have a relationship with Belgian side Royal Antwerp in the late 1990s, where young players such as Danny Higginbotham and Ronnie Wallwork would go on loan to the club.
United have also recently sent players to train at Doncaster Rovers and the club’s strong relationship was evident when they decided to send highly talented youth player Ethan Ennis on loan to the Rovers until the end of the season.
Ineos do not only have Man United in their portfolio but they also own French side OGC Nice and Swiss team Lausanne.
This has sparked rumours that the Red Devils may take advantage of these close connections and it seems they are already doing so at the Swiss Super League team.
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick, Lausanne sporting director Stéphane Henchoz discussed Ineos and United’s role with the club.
Henchoz claimed that Ineos are still very committed to his side and stated that there has already been a partnership forming between United and the club behind the scenes.
The sporting director opened the door to United players coming to train with the squad in the future as he revealed that “three talented Red Devils players trained with us for a week, accompanied by a delegation from Manchester. They were positively surprised by our work”.
He claimed that while it was obviously a plus point for his team, “the English club can also benefit.”
“In any case, Lausanne can be an option for Manchester United players who still need to mature.”
Finding a trusted loan partner for United’s youngsters has been easier said than done over the years as there have been countless examples of players leaving but failing to grab sufficient playing time to make the loan worthwhile.
Perhaps over time, this is something Nice and Lausanne can help United with.
Featured image Tullio M. Puglia via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
