Sir Dave Brailsford is no longer involved with Manchester United and the former head of cycling has moved to another area of INEOS’ business following a reshuffle.
Sir Dave Brailsford is no longer involved with Manchester United (Image: PA)
Sir Dave Brailsford is no longer part of the Manchester United structure. The former Team Sky cycling chief was part of United’s first team following the company’s takeover by INEOS, but has officially stepped down from his role.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe appointed Brailsford to United in December 2023 after purchasing a stake in the club. The 62-year-old was involved in setting up a new management team behind the scenes at Old Trafford, including hiring Omar Berada as chief executive.
However, the club’s filings reveal that Brailsford is no longer a member of the board, with his resignation officially effective April 30. The Times reports that in addition to INEOS, two other people will join the board. This follows reports last summer that Mr Brailsford was returning to his role as sports director at INEOS, where he will continue to focus on cycling, his area of expertise.
Despite having no previous football experience, Brailsford spent a year as United’s head of football operations after INEOS took over control of the club from the Glazer family. United did not play well in that position last season, finishing 15th in the Premier League and being eliminated in the Europa League final.
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Last summer it was decided that Brailsford would leave United and return his focus to INEOS’ cycling division, as well as overseeing Ligue 1 side Nice’s ownership. He was previously the team principal of Ineos Grenadiers.
United are currently managed by Berrada, who was poached from Manchester City by INEOS as chief executive, and technical director Jason Wilcox. Things have improved since the decision to sack Ruben Amorim as manager in January, with caretaker manager Michael Carrick winning 10 of his 14 games in charge.
The club have secured a return to the Champions League next season and are third in the Premier League with three games in hand.
Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox watch Manchester United’s defeat in the Europa League final last May (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Although Brailsford oversaw improvements to the training ground, his time at United will be remembered primarily for the brutal cuts made after Ratcliffe poured money into the club. Hundreds of employees lost their jobs and spending was cut in many areas of the business.
This pattern can be seen elsewhere in INEOS’ sports division, with funding removed from sailing and All Blacks sponsorship.
Despite the criticism, Ratcliffe openly supported United’s cuts and believed they were necessary to return United to the top level of world football. “Manchester United have become mediocre,” he told the United We Stand fanzine.
“It should be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If we avoid difficult decisions, nothing will change.”
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