Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a major reshuffle of his sporting empire at Ineos that will impact Manchester United.
Since becoming Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been ruthless, with hundreds of staff let go and Erik ten Hag dismissed as manager in October.
There has been plenty of change, and more is coming, with the recruitment team expected to be busy in their attempts to strengthen the team this summer.
United have already announced that three players will leave this month at the end of their contracts, including Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof. Jonny Evans also announced his retirement after United beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the final game of the 2024/25 season.
The Red Devils finished the season 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. It marked the end of a difficult first six months for Amorim as United’s head coach.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Sir Dave Brailsford steps away from Manchester United role
Sir Dave Brailsford’s role at Old Trafford raised questions from the moment it was announced that he would be part of the club’s hierarchy following Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.
As a cycling expert, Brailsford has had very little experience in the football world, apart from his involvement at Nice during the early days of Ineos’ involvement in running the Ligue 1 outfit.
There is more change coming to Old Trafford with Brailsford set to have less of an influence at the football club.
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According to The Times, Brailsford will reduce his commitment to United after previously stepping down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers when Ratcliffe completed his minority stake investment and took charge of football operations within the club.
Brailsford spent one year at United and was part of many decisions that brought change, including the decision to sack Ten Hag after rewarding the Dutchman with a new contract after winning the FA Cup.
The cycling expert will return to his director of sport role within Ineos.
However, in the eyes of Ratcliffe, Brailsford can do no wrong. He is praised by the British billionaire for overhauling the performance set-up at the club, the £50m redevelopment of Carrington and major plans for a 21st league title, which has yet to be achieved.
Ratcliffe has cut back on his investment in sport in recent months, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to United fans who have experienced a rise in ticket prices ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ineos recently ended sponsorship deals with the All Blacks and Spurs, but Ratcliffe remains committed to his cycling team – the Ineos Grenadiers – and plans to hire Geraint Thomas in a senior leadership position when he retires as a rider at the end of this season. Brailsford will undoubtedly have a hand to play in that appointment.
Brailsford will now be tasked with overseeing decisions made at Nice as well as other sporting ventures driven by Ineos.
The report does not explain what will happen to Brailsford’s current role or if United have plans to find a replacement.
The reshuffle also sees United appoint their first ever Director of Football.
According to The Athletic, Jason Wilcox is assuming greater authority for United’s sporting department by being promoted to director of football.
The report also claims that Brailsford retains his place on the board and will still be on hand to advise on strategic performance matters.
Wilcox initially arrived at United as a technical director, but he will now have a greater influence on the running of the club, after taking a greater responsibility at the club following the exit of Dan Ashworth midway through last season.