Big changes are coming along at Manchester United, with investors Ineos making their presence felt.
Ineos advisor Sir Dave Brailsford made a timely appearance at Carrington on Monday, forging ahead with plans to overhaul the club.
Manchester United’s new investors have pledged to be a visible presence around Carrington and Old Trafford, with Brailsford the eyes and ears on the ground for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
His visit on Monday had a particular purpose, and it would have been excruciatingly awkward for one Manchester United player.
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Brailsford talked to Manchester United squad
Sir Dave Brailsford was at Carrington to address Manchester United’s squad, with a particular mission statement.
According to The Athletic, he was there to explain the Ineos philosophy, with a focus on ‘standards’.
The report states Brailsford was “explaining the INEOS approach to sporting excellence and the importance of standards.”
Awkward timing for Marcus Rashford
This was particularly awful timing for Marcus Rashford, whose own personal standard of professionalism have just fallen short of what is expected.
Rashford’s escapades at a nightclub in Belfast and alleged heavy drinking last week are splashed on the front page of The Sun newspaper this morning, while an internal inquiry was being held at the club yesterday.
A club statement released last night expressed how Rashford has shown regret, and how United are drawing a line under the matter and moving on.
Brailsford will be well aware of the Rashford incident. He was at the Newport game, which Rashford missed, and he will be privy to all high profile goings-on at the club.
The whole point of high standards of professionalism is to drive high-performance on the pitch.
If Marcus Rashford cannot commit to the high standards Ineos require, then he will no future at the club, and it will be the same rule for all.
The timing of Brailsford’s talk might just have shocked Rashford. It couldn’t have been worse. Let’s hope it all acts as a turning point.
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