- Brailsford joined Man United’s minority owner at The Ivy in Manchester
- The dinner comes after it was reported that Man United would sell most of the team.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe had dinner with key advisers Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc on Wednesday night, just days after Man United’s new hierarchy signaled a massive overhaul of the squad this summer.
Ratcliffe and his Ineos group have made significant changes since taking over football operations at Old Trafford after the British billionaire bought a 27.7 per cent stake in the club.
Ineos sporting director Brailsford has taken on a key role as part of Man United’s new regime.
The former British cycling boss joined Ratcliffe at The Ivy in Manchester on Wednesday night for a meeting billed as a working dinner.
Blanc was also present. The Frenchman will become United’s interim chief executive until July 13 after the club announced Patrick Stewart will leave at the end of the season, but Blanc will be replaced by Omar Berrada when he officially begins as chief executive.
Man United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, right, dined at the Ivy in Manchester.
Ratcliffe was joined by Sir Dave Brailsford, left, who has been a key advisor at Man United.
The dinner comes days after Man United reported planning a major clean-up this summer.
Last month, it was reported that Brailsford had held individual meetings with players and staff to describe the approach the club is taking going forward.
The dinner comes after reports that Man United are set to sell most of their squad in a fire sale this summer.
Ratcliffe and his group are trying to reform United and return them to their former glory after another difficult campaign.
The new Man United regime is reportedly open-minded about sales and will weigh up most offers.
Only three players, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, have reportedly escaped the chopping block.
United are hoping to build a winning team around the young trio in the future.
The focus follows a difficult season under Erik ten Hag. United have already missed out on the Champions League and are sixth in the league, but have reached the FA Cup final, where they will play Manchester City on May 25.
Mail Sport’s Chris Wheeler first reported that selling Marcus Rashford is an option. Given that 100 percent of the profits from the exchange of local players go towards compliance with FFP regulations, a sale can fit into INEOS’ commitment to an intense economic campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain, who held talks with Rashford’s representatives two years ago, are one of the few clubs who could realistically match his £75m valuation and pay his strong personal terms as they look to replace Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester United are reportedly open to selling most of their squad, including Marcus Rashford.
Rasmus Hojlund (left) and Alejandro Garnacho (right) are seen as “out of bounds” players
Mail Sport understands United continue to believe in Rashford and want him to succeed after investing so much in him with a bumper new contract.
However, there is also recognition that their alarming decline in form on the pitch must change.
And while United are not believed to be actively working to release players, they must first raise money through sales to bolster their limited transfer budget.
The club is believed to be interested in signing a new striker, central midfielder and right centre-back, but may not be able to spend the large sums like in recent years.
Man United confirmed further off-field changes last week, with interim chief executive Stewart and chief financial officer Cliff Baty stepping down at the end of the season.
Ineos has already made significant changes to the football operation at United with director of football John Murtough leaving to make way for Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave at Newcastle as the two clubs attempt to negotiate a compensation package.
Jason Wilcox, who worked with Berrada at City as the club’s academy director, has already moved from Southampton to replace Darren Fletcher as technical director, although United hope the former Scotland midfielder will accept a different role at the club.
