Manchester United fans have become all too familiar with lapses in professionalism from players off the pitch in recent years.
Jadon Sancho’s infamous “freedom” comment on social media appeared to take aim at the club’s internal environment after being exiled by Erik ten Hag before his loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
Alejandro Garnacho also sparked criticism after being spotted in an Aston Villa shirt – despite being a current United player.
Meanwhile his brother has publicly clashed with fans on X, demanding more respect for the Argentine winger.
These public moments have only reinforced the perception that standards around the club have slipped, not just on the pitch, but off it too.
It’s no surprise then that INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are enforcing change beyond just performance metrics, budgetary controls or even Carrington’s hygiene improvements – they’re demanding professionalism across all levels of the football operation.
Now, as reported by Stephen Howson on YouTube for Stretford Paddock, Manchester United players have signed new contracts binding them to higher standards off the pitch.
The agreement includes strict expectations around how players present themselves in public, with a strong emphasis on punctuality, dress code and conduct.
One notable rule instructs players to greet fans at all times and not ignore them at events, further enforcing the club’s push for a more respectful, grounded image.
The new framework signals a clear cultural reset under INEOS.
Players are no longer judged solely by what they do on matchdays, but also by how they represent the badge in their daily lives.
It’s a statement that Manchester United are determined to restore pride, discipline and accountability in every corner of the club.
Fans may well be stunned that such an agreement wasn’t already set in stone as a basic foundation at United.
Ratcliffe certainly isn’t allowing for any complacency in dropping further standards – a task that remains ever so difficult in such a tricky period for the club.
