Rio Ferdinand admits he was ‘really impressed’ after meeting Sir Dave Brailsford and discussing the future of Premier League giants Manchester United.
At the risk of wishing our lives away, can the summer not just hurry up a little?
As Manchester United continue to limp towards the finish line – sixth place seemingly the best we can really hope for given the nature of the club’s current performances – the Sir Jim Ratcliffe revolution cannot come soon enough.
This is likely to be one of the most important, most transformative summers in Man United’s modern history. Some reports are suggesting that the number of departures could reach double figures. And, in a stark contrast to the pre-Ineos era, United appear determined to explode out ofthe blocks attack the market from day one, rather than blunder towards one of those typical Glazer-era, panicky late-window splurges.
Manchester United planning big changes
Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s right-hand man, has played a key role in a number of big changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford, integral to the appointment of Omar Berrada and the pursuit of Dan Ashworth.
Former Team Sky and cycling mastermind Brailsford, who’s legendary ‘marginal gains’ approach has influenced many in the industry, also boasts a proven track record when it comes to turning an underperforming sporting institution into the best in the game.
“I was really impressed,” Ferdinand tells TNT Sports, opening up on his conversations with Brailsford. “Impressed with the clarity. There was transparency, and I think there is going to be a real focus on football from the top down.
“So I am really looking forward to the new phase.”
United’s new decision-makers barely missed a chance to distance themselves from the pocket-lining Glazer era, insisting that on-pitch success is their first priority. There is an expectation that Ashworth will take up his new position as United’s technical director sooner rather than later too, with the Red Devils continuing discussions with a Newcastle side demanding a considerable compensation fee for the former FA and Brighton chief.
Brailsford and Ashworth are big fans of each other
“I’ve known Sir Dave for years, working across different sports,” Ashworth said back in 2022, via The Athletic, after inviting Brailsford to speak at St James’ Park.
“(Brailsford) is, without doubt, the best in the world at creating a high-performance culture and turning that into winning.”
Ferdinand was speaking ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Everton. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored from the spot after Alejandro Garnacho became the first United player in Premier League history ever to win two penalties in one game.
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