Dave Brailsford savaged for Man United plan – ‘his reputation is shot to ribbons’
Man United last won the Premier League title in 2013 and there have been no signs of an instant revival following investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Nevertheless, as per The Times (5 February) INEOS chief Dave Brailsford has unveiled his ‘Mission 21’ plan – which is aimed at securing a 21st Premier League title before 2028.
Brailsford is said to have drafted a blueprint for United’s future alongside performance expert James Morton, detailing how they plan to achieve that feat.
Ratcliffe and INEOS have come under criticism from fans for cost-cutting and on-pitch decisions since they took control of football operations in early 2024.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the ‘Mission 21’ plan is the wrong way forward.
INEOS reputation is ‘shot to ribbons’ at Man United
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed INEOS’ reputation at Old Trafford is “shot to ribbons”.
Ratcliffe owns almost 29% of Man United after buying his stake from the Glazer Family last year (2024).
Ruben Amorim‘s side sit 13th in the Premier League table with the Portuguese boss winning just four of his 13 top-flight games in charge.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It’s classic Dave Brailsford, putting this ‘Mission 21’ together in a bid to win the 21st title.
“I’m afraid the INEOS reputation is shot to ribbons. They’re getting slammed everywhere they look, for the way Man United are performing and the way Amorim is performing.
“Even for the way they’ve handled the fans and the ambassadors, Dan Ashworth, there are so many different things.
“Mission 21 doesn’t seem to be the way forward that Man United should be looking at.
“For me, this is something that could hang around his neck like a millstone in the months to come, not years to come.”
Man United to chase Delap deal this summer
Football Insider has been told by ex-United chief scout Mick Brown that Amorim’s side have a “clear plan” to sign the best young talent from across the world.
As part of that vision, Man United and Chelsea are both keen on Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye of top Premier League sides with his performances for the Tractor Boys this term.
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