Brailsford is spending his first day meeting staff, sorting access passes, and touring United’s training ground accompanied by football director John Murtough and interim chief executive Patrick Stewart. It is regarded as a light touch opening, but ultimately Brailsford is set to evaluate areas for improvement and report back to Ratcliffe. Sources say the INEOS mantra at this stage is “listen, look, learn”.
Brailsford attended
United’s victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day and the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but today is the first time he has been at Carrington since being shown round as part of the bid process in March.
Brailsford is expected to talk to manager Erik ten Hag as well as coaching and recruitment staff, although formal meetings will come at a later date. United’s players are also in at the complex before having some time off ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Wigan Athletic on January 8.