Manchester United’s ambitious rebuild faces a serious setback as another key figure has left the club and returned to INEOS, the petrochemicals giant that holds a minority stake in the Red Devils. This departure adds to a growing list of senior executives exiting Old Trafford amid a sweeping overhaul of the club’s leadership and operations.
Since INEOS acquired a minority share in Manchester United in early 2024, the club has undergone a radical transformation in its executive leadership. High-profile departures have included Annie Hale (head of human resources), Florence Lafaye (commercial director), James Holroyd (chief commercial development officer), and more recently, Sir Dave Brailsford, who led football operations. Many of these executives have returned to roles within INEOS or left voluntarily amid a strategic review led by INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Dave Brailsford, a long-standing INEOS executive who took charge of football operations at Manchester United, is stepping back to resume his broader role as director of sport at INEOS. Brailsford was instrumental in key projects such as the £50 million redevelopment of the Carrington training ground and the Mission 21 initiative aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge. His departure is seen as a significant loss for United’s football leadership and raises questions about the stability of the rebuild effort
The exit of Brailsford and other senior figures comes as Manchester United endured its worst-ever Premier League season, finishing 15th and failing to secure any trophies. The club is also grappling with extensive cost-cutting measures, including mass redundancies affecting hundreds of staff and the dismissal of manager Erik ten Hag. These upheavals have cast doubt on the club’s ability to execute its long-term vision effectively
INEOS’s involvement has grown beyond minority ownership to encompass broader operational control. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has expanded his influence over sporting and business strategies, appointing new executives such as Omar Berrada (chief executive) and Marc Armstrong (chief business officer) from other top clubs. However, the reshuffle has led to significant staff turnover and uncertainty, with reports of rejected offers and resignations among key personnel
Manchester United’s rebuild is at a critical crossroads. The loss of experienced leaders like Brailsford and others returning to INEOS signals potential instability in the club’s management structure. With ongoing financial pressures and the need to restore on-field success, the Red Devils face a challenging summer ahead.
Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching how the club addresses these departures and whether new leadership can provide the stability and vision required to revive Manchester United’s fortunes.
