Sir Dave Brailsford has arrived at Carrington for his first official day at Manchester United following the agreement of INEOS’ minority investment.
The former British Cycling performance director – who will be part of United’s football board when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent stake receives approval from the Premier League – has now begun working in a proper capacity, but initially on an orientation basis.
Brailsford is spending his first day meeting staff and touring United’s training ground accompanied by football director John Murtough and interim chief executive Patrick Stewart.
It is regarded as a light touch opening, but ultimately Brailsford is set to evaluate areas for improvement and report back to Ratcliffe. Sources say the INEOS mantra at this stage is “listen, look, learn”.
Brailsford attended United’s victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day and the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but today is the first time he has been at Carrington since being shown round as part of the bid process in March.
Brailsford is expected to talk to manager Erik ten Hag as well as coaching and recruitment staff, although formal meetings will come at a later date.
United’s players are also in at the complex before having some time off ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Wigan Athletic on January 8.
Ten Hag will hope an illness that has affected several players, and ruled Rasmus Hojlund out of the game against Forest – although the striker travelled – to be clear by the time of United’s next fixture.
Although the Premier League approval process is expected to take between six and eight weeks, documentation for the deal has revealed that United must consult INEOS on any football operational matters during the handover period with Brailsford, INEOS’ director of sport, a key figure in what will be a new structure at the club.
Ratcliffe is yet to attend a match but he addressed supporters to ask for “time and patience” as he bids to turn United’s fortunes around.
In a letter published by the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST), Ratcliffe said: “I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed.
It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management.
“You are ambitious for Manchester United and so are we.
There are no guarantees in sport, and change can inevitably take time but we are in it for the long term and together we want to help take Manchester United back to where the club belongs, at the very top of English, European and world football. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
Following the 2-1 defeat at Forest, United are now seventh in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag has come under criticism for his side’s inconsistent form this season but he has insisted he is the right man to lead United forward.
He said: “They (INEOS) know me and they know when I have a squad what is available the results will be there. We already proved against the top teams we can go head to head.
“I am convinced and have a strong belief we (can) get more progress, consistency in this team. This is part of a project. We were over performing last year, this year we are underperforming, we have to step up and I have to lead that process.”
