- Sir Dave Brailsford leaves Manchester United
- No longer listed as club director in latest club filings
- Still part of INEOS group away from football
When INEOS took over from the Glazer family in running football operations at Manchester United, there was a seismic change in the boardroom.
A football-centric board was envisioned for the future of the Red Devils after multiple years of failures behind the scenes translating onto the pitch. Even before Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially became a minority co-owner, the peripheral figures lurking in the crowd like eagles were the 73 year-old and Sir Dave Brailsford on diligence duties.
Last summer, Brailsford stepped back from day to day activities at Old Trafford. It coincided with Jason Wilcox’s role changing to director of football.
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Brailsford Leave Man United
According to The Athletic, Brailsford has now completely left his role on the board of football directors. Companies House confirms this departure as of April 30 via club filings.
Brailsford is the second executive to depart in as many years. Jean-Claude Blanc left the club last year. The Athletic also write that United “intend to appoint two senior INEOS figures to the club board as replacements”.
Brailsford focus has now reverted back to working on INEOS’ multi-sports strategy. That is where he found success at Ratcliffe’s Grenadiers cycling team. He has not been a part of day-to-day runnings since last summer.
Some of the other projects he could work at for Ratcliffe is OGC Nice in Ligue 1, who have been struggling in 15th place. The United co-owner has been struggling to sell the French club for £200m, which is close to his residency in Monaco.
Football-Heavy Approach for United Makes Sense
One of Brailsford’s major tasks was overseeing the £50m upgrade in training facilities at Carrington last season. The renovated complex was re-opened in August 2025, described as “on time and on budget” by the club.
As described by The Athletic last year, Brailsford was also heavily involved in “decisions on Erik ten Hag”. Additionally, “key appointments” such as Ruben Amorim and Omar Berrada and other performance staff were part of his role.
The decision feels as though Brailsford’s appointment was only meant to be temporary. Unlike the departure of Dan Ashworth as former sporting director in XXXX, there has been a transitional process to his departure.
Berrada now heads a new executive team that involves Wilcox, and extends to a sporting department with names such as Christopher Vivell, Matt Hargreaves and a data-driven team in recruitment.
Football people being in football jobs makes sense. For too long, United were associated with corporate names who could not translate commercial and marketing success in football. Under INEOS, their restructure has clear names with clear job titles attached. It outlines that their initial goal of streamlining job responsibilities has been an overall success.
Overall, his appointment was a success for greater things/ The keys were handed to football men as scheduled. However, there will be stains on his overall legacy. This mainly includes being part of the decision to renew ten Hag’s contract before firing him months later – costing the club millions of pounds.
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