Ineos have confirmed another executive reshuffle at Manchester United including Sir Dave Brailsford’s exit.
It was announced on Wednesday that Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped back from his role at Manchester United to return to a senior role in Ineos’ sport management.
Since the takeover was completed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe immediately wanted to overhaul the boardroom at Old Trafford and implement an elite-level footballing department.
Sir Dave Brailsford was tasked with overseeing the changes as Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, but the cycling expert has now been told to step down with Jason Wilcox given a promotion to a sporting director role this summer.
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Sir Dave Brailsford made Dan Ashworth and Ruben Amorim decisions
Ratcliffe has restructured much of United’s backroom staff since taking charge at Old Trafford and initially he wanted Dan Ashworth as a club figurehead.
United chased the English director for months but Ashworth was sacked after five months with Ratcliffe suggesting he wasn’t a good fit in the club’s boardroom.
Reports at the time suggested Ratcliffe contacted Brailsford before sacking Ashworth, with the United owner keen to get his opinion before pulling the trigger.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Another key decision made by Ineos over the last year was the call to sack Erik ten Hag and replace him with Ruben Amorim in November.
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Once again, it was Brailsford who convinced Amorim to join United, with the Portuguese head coach initially hesitant to make the move to Manchester midway through a season.
There were understandable concerns about Brailsford’s role at Old Trafford, but he can take pride in his impact on both the Amorim and Ashworth decisions as he leaves his leadership role.
Ineos reshuffle Man United executives for 2025/26
United fans will be growing tired of the behind-the-scenes leadership changes at Old Trafford, but it seems Ineos have finally found their structure for the upcoming campaign.
With Brailsford now out of the picture, it is Wilcox who will lead the summer window as the director of football.
In February, Christopher Vivell was promoted to director of recruitment and it seems he and Wilcox will work closely to plan United’s rebuild under Amorim.
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Above them, CEO Omar Berrada continues to oversee United’s long-term project with Ratcliffe in constant communication with the former Manchester City chief.
Ineos have rallied behind Amorim despite the underwhelming 2024/25 campaign. There will need to be a lot of trust and communication in the new executive structure to make it work this time around.