The Athletic reports that the co-owner of the Reds invited chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on a fishing trip on the same day as United’s first preseason game against Leeds United on Saturday.
Per the report, Amorim was initially considered but he refused and decided to stay with the side as they head into their first preparation game ahead of the new campaign. Ratcliffe is a passionate fly fisherman and has invested in Iceland’s Six Rivers Project to protect salmon populations which are in danger.
This trip represents the lifestyle INEOS' executives who are in control of the club with other trips also including ski resorts and other luxury stays. Many will see this as a huge contradiction considering United’s cost cutting which included sacking many staff members and removing food from the canteen at the training ground.
Ratcliffe, Berrada and Wilcox are spending the 48 hours before kick-off planning for the future of the club as well as eachother in what could be a productive few days whilst their side start preparations for what will be another tough season. Amorim, meanwhile, remained at Carrington to lead the team’s final training session in a move that fans will see as sensible and pragmatic, especially after last season’s disappointing performances.