The pressure is on INEOS to deliver success at Manchester United, with that pressure now at an all-time high.

Defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como in the Champions League, alongside drawing to Leeds United, have increased questions on both manager Michael Carrick and United’s ownership.

January’s looming transfer window will allow INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe an opportunity to support Carrick, help that was arguably missing in parts during the summer transfer window.

Nico Paz, fresh off scoring a brace against the Red Devils on Tuesday evening, has been targeted by the club for a possible January move, whilst Rayan Ait-Nouri has also attracted renewed interest.

Away from Manchester United, however, INEOS are working hard to ensure that their other sporting teams have the best chance of success, which has seen the company hard at work.

That hard work includes preparations for the 2027 season at Netcompany-INEOS, as the team aim for success in Grand Tours and races.

The team have now took to their official website to announce their latest signing with Michael Valgren putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

Valgren claimed stage victories at the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Giro d’Italia last year and is a former national champion.

His experience will prove invaluable during the upcoming campaign, especially following the departure of world champion Filippo Ganna.

Speaking about his arrival at the team, Michael Valgren said: “To finally have the opportunity to join Netcompany INEOS is a dream come true. It’s a team I’ve always wanted to be part of, so in many ways, it feels like things have come full circle.

“I’m really looking forward to joining such a special organisation, where no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of performance.

“I believe the environment and resources here can help me find those extra few percent to raise my level and continue fighting for victories.

“Just as importantly, I want to use my experience to help bring the group together, support our collective efforts in races and guide the talented young riders coming through the team. That’s something I’m really motivated by.

‘I’m also really looking forward to working with Geraint Thomas, someone I’ve admired throughout my career.

His dedication and work ethic have always been a source of inspiration for me, and I hope I can play my part in carrying on the legacy he’s built within the team.”

Greaint Thomas, Director of Racing at Netcompany-INEOS, commented on the 34-year-old’s experience whilst also praising the rider’s immense talent.

“I’ve known Michael personally for a long time and I’ve always had a lot of respect for him, both as a rider and as a person. He’s a great character who I know will fit really well into the team,” Thomas said.

“He brings a huge amount of experience and has shown he’s still racing at an incredibly high level, particularly after everything he’s been through following his crash.

“To come back from that and be winning big races again says a lot about his character and determination.

“He’ll bring real strength and experience to our Classics group, but just as importantly, he’ll be a great addition to the team off the bike too. We’re really looking forward to having him with us.”

Whilst INEOS continue to make the right moves in their rebuild of Netcompany-INEOS, it remains unclear whether Manchester United will receive the same attention.

The January transfer window will test that question, with the Red Devils in desperate need of players in crucial positions including left-back.

INEOS’ moves during the upcoming window could prove pivotal to United’s chances of success during the rest of the season.

Succeeding in the window will likely give Carrick the right foundations for leading the team. Failing, however, could lead to critics asking the manager and INEOS even more questions.