Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly plotting a power shake-up at the club that will see Sir Dave Brailsford’s role significantly reduced.
Brailsford has been Ratcliffe’s right-hand man since the INEOS billionaire completed his minority investment and assumed operational control of United in February last year.
To focus on his responsibilities at United, Brailsford stepped down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers.
Renowned for his “marginal gains” approach, Brailsford has played a pivotal role in United’s football operations as Ratcliffe continues his mission to return the club to its former glory.
However, Ratcliffe’s tenure has been far from smooth, with the disastrous 2024/25 season marking the lowest point of his reign so far. United finished in 15th place in the Premier League, having suffered 18 losses and amassed just 42 points.
Ruben Amorim’s men blew their only chance to sneak into next season’s Champions League after losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
According to The Times, Ratcliffe is plotting a major reshuffle at Old Trafford and it appears Brailsford will not be spared.
The newspaper reveals, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a major reshuffle that will lead to Sir Dave Brailsford reducing his commitment to Manchester United to return to his director of sport role for Ineos and Geraint Thomas taking a senior leadership role at the professional cycling team when he retires as a rider at the end of this season.”
With OGC Nice failing to secure European football next season, the Ligue 1 outfit will no longer be overseen by the trust that was originally installed to ensure compliance with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
Nice will therefore become the responsibility of INEOS once again and Ratcliffe wants Brailsford to help ensure the transition is seamless.
Ratcliffe is also keen for Brailsford to lend his expertise to the INEOS Grenadiers management team and play a role in guiding Thomas as he switches from athlete to a leadership position.
It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe replaces Brailsford or keeps faith with the executives already in place at United.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
