Latest news with #Mission21
New York Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Sir Dave Brailsford to step back from Manchester United, Jason Wilcox named director of football
Sir Dave Brailsford is relinquishing his day-to-day role at Manchester United and returning to act as director of sport for INEOS, in a major recalibration of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Old Trafford executive. The move coincides with Jason Wilcox being named United's director of football, a position of increased seniority from the technical director title he initially arrived with in April 2024. Advertisement Brailsford, 61, has been a significant figure at United since Ratcliffe's stake was confirmed on Christmas Eve 2023, watching Aston Villa's Boxing Day visit to Old Trafford from the directors' box and continuing to attend games regularly. He was appointed to United's football club board upon completion of the deal, alongside former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-chief executive David Gill. He had been a consistent presence throughout the due diligence stage of the investment process and was prominent at Carrington once Ratcliffe had the keys to the club, basing himself in Manchester. Brailsford was across the training ground refurbishment, involved in the decisions on Erik ten Hag, and had input on key appointments including Omar Berrada as chief executive and Ruben Amorim as head coach, as well as performance staff. Brailsford led United's 'Mission 21' drive targeting a 21st league title and 'Mission 1' to win first Women's Super League, part of 'Project 150' programme to mark 150th anniversary in 2028. He became less visible in recent weeks, although that can partly be attributed to him becoming a father last year and spending more time in Monaco. Brailsford was seen at the Europa League final in Bilbao, however. Now, with a new executive team led by Berrada in place, and Wilcox assuming greater authority for United's sporting department by being promoted to director of football, Brailsford is stepping back to give them space. He retains his place on the board and will still be on hand to advise on strategic performance matters. Assembling a revamped structure at United was his remit on joining, and this has now happened. Brailsford is expected to increase his support to INEOS Grenadiers, the cycling team he was team principal of until January 2024, shortly after Ratcliffe agreed to purchase a minority stake in United, as they aim to return to Tour de France winning level, with the arrival of a new partner quest. Advertisement Ratcliffe wants Brailsford to help guide Geraint Thomas, who is set to be appointed to a senior management position at INEOS Grenadiers once he retires as a rider at the end of this season. Brailsford can also revert back to Nice, where he was once influential, given United's failure to qualify for Europe means the French club is free from the blind trust it was placed by UEFA to comply with ownership rules. Brailsford is one of several INEOS figures to have joined United, including chief financial officer Roger Bell, directors John Reece and Rob Nevin, and project managers Gary Hemingway and Josh Thompson. Brailsford has been a big part of United under Ratcliffe, pictured attending Carrington alongside the British billionaire in January 2024 to meet players and staff, then being at the forefront of the undulations over Ten Hag's position at the end of that campaign. Brailsford attended pre-season in Los Angeles last summer, and was seen chatting pitchside to Ten Hag, Wilcox, and then-sporting director Dan Ashworth. Much has changed at United in those 11 months since, with Ten Hag relieved of his duties in October following an executive committee meeting where Brailsford left in the same car as Ratcliffe. Ashworth went in December, and now Brailsford is reducing his day-to-day involvement. Doing so once a new football structure had been assembled was part of the plan, with Brailsford's background coming in elite sporting performance, predominantly cycling, rather than football, which he confessed he was not an expert in. United's results this season have been the worst in Premier League history, with Amorim admitting to a 'disaster' campaign that was even denied salvation by Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Berrada and Wilcox are now undoubtedly the key people in charge of the football operations at the club. ()
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Sir Dave Brailsford 'to reduce Man United role amid major Sir Jim Ratcliffe reshuffle'
Sir Dave Brailsford will reportedly see his role at Manchester United reduced as part of a major reshuffle overseen by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The former British Cycling supremo was brought into Man United 's hierarchy by Ratcliffe and Ineos following their investment in the club. Brailsford had been heavily involved in United's strategy as they seek a first top flight title since 2013. Earlier this year, Brailsford had unveiled the 'Mission 21' plan, which has been focused on delivering United's 21st English league title. According to the Times, Brailsford's role is now set to be reduced as part of a shake-up by Ratcliffe. The report claims Brailsford will now revert to his previous position as director of sport for Ineos.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Sir Dave Brailsford ‘steps back from Man Utd' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans major reshuffle after disastrous season
Off the Brails Sir Dave Brailsford 'steps back from Man Utd' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans major reshuffle after disastrous season SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD is set to step back in his role at Manchester United, according to reports. The move comes as part of a major reshuffle being planned by Ineos head-huncho Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Advertisement 3 Sir Dave Brailsford is set to step back from his role at Man Utd Credit: Getty 3 It comes as part of a major reshuffle plan from Sir Jim Ratcliffe Credit: PA 3 Brailsford had been working alongside Man Utd chiefs like Jason Wilcox Credit: Getty According to The Times, Brailsford will be reducing his commitment to Man Utd and returning to his role as director of sport for Ineos. Brailsford, famed for his so-called "marginal gains" ideology from cycling, stood down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers when Ratcliffe purchased his minority stake in the Red Devils. He then took charge of football operations at the club and has been in that role for a year trying to implement change at the club. However, the season has been nothing short of a disaster after Man Utd finish a record-low 15th place and go trophyless after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. Advertisement Despite this, the 61-year-old has been credited by British billionaire Ratcliffe in overhauling the performance set-up at Man Utd. He was also heavily involved in the £50million redevelopment plan for the club's Carrington training ground and setting the goals outlined in Mission 21 to get both Man Utd men and women winning league titles. The report adds that Geraint Thomas will be taking a senior leadership role at Ineos' professional cycling team when he retires as a rider at the end of this season. Brailsford's step back comes at a time when Ineos is reducing its sporting commitments. Advertisement THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Sir Dave Brailsford ‘steps back from Man Utd' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans major reshuffle after disastrous season
SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD is set to step back in his role at Manchester United, according to reports. The move comes as part of a major reshuffle being planned by Ineos head-huncho Sir Jim Ratcliffe. 3 Sir Dave Brailsford is set to step back from his role at Man Utd Credit: Getty 3 It comes as part of a major reshuffle plan from Sir Jim Ratcliffe Credit: PA 3 Brailsford had been working alongside Man Utd chiefs like Jason Wilcox Credit: Getty According to The Times, Brailsford will be reducing his commitment to Man Utd and returning to his role as director of sport for Ineos. Brailsford, famed for his so-called "marginal gains" ideology from cycling, stood down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers when Ratcliffe purchased his minority stake in the Red Devils. He then took charge of football operations at the club and has been in that role for a year trying to implement change at the club. However, the season has been nothing short of a disaster after Man Utd finish a record-low 15th place and go trophyless after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. Despite this, the 61-year-old has been credited by British billionaire Ratcliffe in overhauling the performance set-up at Man Utd. He was also heavily involved in the £50million redevelopment plan for the club's Carrington training ground and setting the goals outlined in Mission 21 to get both Man Utd men and women winning league titles. The report adds that Geraint Thomas will be taking a senior leadership role at Ineos' professional cycling team when he retires as a rider at the end of this season. Brailsford's step back comes at a time when Ineos is reducing its sporting commitments. Most read in Football THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd miss out on their Coutinho moment as Bruno Fernandes snubs Al-Hilal – so where does he fit into their plans?
OH, to be a fly on the wall of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's office when news broke that Bruno Fernandes had snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia. Advertisement 3 Bruno Fernandes snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia 3 Man Utd missed their chance of a major sale like Liverpool with Philippe Coutinho So to have the potential of receiving a nine-figure sum for a player whose legs are only going to get wearier was almost too good to be true. And it turned out to be . . . but only because Even the offer of tax-free £700,000-a-week wages was not enough to lure the Portuguese star to the Middle East. Advertisement Read More on Man Utd Yet It is back to the drawing board for Ratcliffe and manager Despite Fernandes turning down the Saudi riches, the midfielder could still be a target for European clubs this summer — although the offers are unlikely to be even half the astonishing transfer fee on offer from Al-Hilal. And even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where Fernandes fits into Amorim's rebuild next season? Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Exclusive Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Amorim is wedded to his 3-4-3 formation and his early transfer activity seems to match up. Wolves' Matheus Cunha has Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal 'secret agent' Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decision Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, linked with Chelsea and Napoli, are other options for the wide forward roles. Advertisement That quartet is likely to see Fernandes move further back to one of the two central midfield berths which he fulfilled in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Amorim has other options in the centre of the park, including Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount. Casemiro is on big wages, Amorim knows Ugarte well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon and the United boss lavished praise on Mount following his return to fitness towards the end of the season. While homegrown talent Mainoo, 20, is an intriguing prospect. Advertisement So where will Fernandes play on a regular basis? In last season's disastrous campaign, Amorim relied heavily on talismanic Fernandes to dig his woeful 15th-placed Prem side out of the mire, netting 19 times in all competitions. Failed Coutinho moment Fernandes' quality and consistency led to the eye-watering bid from Saudi and the £100m fee will play on Ratcliffe's mind in their 'Mission 21' operation to knock Liverpool "off their perch" once again. The Reds went through a similar scenario over seven years ago when they sold star man Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a staggering £142m. The transfer fee gave Jurgen Klopp the chance to rebuild as the German used that money to bring in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and his new spine delivered the Champions League and Premier League titles. Advertisement If Fernandes remains at United then club legend Gary Neville believes Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho must all leave. Garnacho clashed with Amorim after the Bilbao loss to Tottenham, while the other three have all been out on loan this season. Neville said: 'If players are taking on and questioning the manager in public through social media, the manager has to win. Neville's transfer advice 'If the manager doesn't win, the manager has to leave and I don't think that's going to happen this time. That's happened far too many times before. I think Garnacho will leave purely because of that, I think they've had enough. Advertisement 'Marcus has to leave for him and the club. I think that ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club. 'It sounds to me like Villa aren't going to keep him. I would say for Marcus' and United's sake that it feels like that path has come to an end. 'I feel a little bit similarly with Jadon as I do with Marcus. I'd be a bit concerned that Chelsea haven't made the noises that they're going to keep him. United have to make sure they part ways with him. 'Antony has gone to Spain and having seen a couple of players that I played with not do it Old Trafford but do it in Spain . . . I think he's suited down to the ground and it's been proven.' Advertisement Ratcliffe may have canned hundreds of local staff but he will soon discover it's much harder to get rid of superstar players who are tied down to huge contracts. Star signings Liverpool made after Philippe Coutinho sale LIVERPOOL sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for an eye-watering £142million back in 2018. Here's five of the best players the Reds signed with that massive windfall: 1. VIRGIL VAN DIJK - £75m 2. FABINHO - £40m 3. ALISSON - £56m 4. NABY KEITA - £54m 5. XHERDAN SHAQIRI - £13m 3
