Sir Dave Brailsford Steps Down from Day-to-Day Role at Manchester United
Sir Dave Brailsford is stepping away from his daily responsibilities at Manchester United to resume his position as director of sport for INEOS, marking a significant shift within Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s executive team at Old Trafford.
This transition aligns with Jason Wilcox’s promotion to director of football, a role that carries more authority than his previous title as technical director since his arrival in April 2024.
Brailsford, 61, has played a pivotal role at United since Ratcliffe’s stake was confirmed on Christmas Eve 2023. He was present during Aston Villa’s visit on Boxing Day and has consistently attended games since then.
Upon the completion of the acquisition, he joined United’s football board alongside former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-chief executive David Gill. He remained a prominent figure during the investment process and was visible at Carrington once Ratcliffe took control, settling in Manchester.
Throughout his tenure, Brailsford was involved in various significant decisions, including the refurbishment of the training ground, decisions regarding manager Erik ten Hag, and important appointments like Omar Berrada as chief executive and Ruben Amorim as head coach.
Although he has become less visible recently—partly due to becoming a father last year and spending time in Monaco—Brailsford was seen at the Europa League final in Bilbao. With the new executive team led by Berrada in place and Wilcox gaining authority, Brailsford is stepping back to allow for their growth. He will maintain a position on the board and continue to provide advice on strategic performance matters.
As he redirects his focus towards supporting INEOS Grenadiers, the cycling team he led until January 2024, Brailsford aims to help them regain their winning status in the Tour de France. He will also potentially return to Nice, given that the French club is free from UEFA ownership restrictions following United’s failure to qualify for European competition.
Brailsford’s Influence at United
During his tenure, Brailsford has been integral to United under Ratcliffe, attending critical meetings and engaging in discussions about the team’s direction, especially concerning Ten Hag’s position. His involvement during the pre-season in Los Angeles showcased his dedication to the team.
However, significant changes have occurred in the past 11 months. Ten Hag was relieved of his duties in October, Ashworth departed in December, and now Brailsford is reducing his daily engagement with the club. This decision follows the establishment of a new football structure, reflecting Brailsford’s background in elite sports performance rather than specific expertise in football.
United’s current season has seen them experience unprecedented struggles in the Premier League, with Amorim describing it as a “disaster” campaign, culminating in a Europa League final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. With Berrada and Wilcox now at the forefront, they are the primary figures overseeing the football operations at the club.
