WHEELGOOD FACTOR
Sir Jim has instilled an atmosphere of professionalism rather than fear at United...but his sidekick – cycling guru Brailsford – will demand players and coaches put the pedal to the metal and buy into his tough new philosophy
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has been to Manchester United’s training ground only a couple of times, but there has already been a change in the mood.
United players are enjoying training, insisting the sessions this week have never been better and the changes at the club have “put everyone on their toes”.
Billionaire Ratcliffe, whose deal to buy a 25 percent stake in the club is expected to be rubber-stamped next month, is determined to drive improvements on and off the pitch.
He has spoken to the players, but did not read the riot act – it was more informal talks.
But there is a new sense of drive and the atmosphere at Carrington is good.
His lieutenant Sir Dave Brailsford has also given a speech to the club’s football staff, making it clear that they expect high standards – and it will be tough to get where they want to go.
Brailsford, highly regarded within sport after a hugely successful time at Team Sky, demands performance and made it clear that coaches, players and staff must buy into the philosophy – or be honest enough to admit it is not for them.
Ratcliffe’s INEOS company are determined to drive up standards and Brailsford is renowned for being a hard taskmaster, surrounding himself with the best in their field and also building a siege mentality which is designed to bring a togetherness to the United squad.
The mood is being credited partly to the players, partly to the manager Erik ten Hag and partly to INEOS, who have been welcomed in by staff and supporters alike.
The players were given a mini-break – their last game was on January 14 with a 2-2 draw against Tottenham – and many went to Dubai to recharge their batteries. But insiders believe they have come back with a desire to reset and are absolutely determined to make the second half of the campaign better than the first.
They face Newport in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday and are well aware that is their last hope of silverware this season and so it takes on a new level of importance.
Despite being stuck in eighth place in the Premier League table, they are still within distance of the European places, even if a Champions League spot looks out of reach. The changes in the medical department – overseen by doctor Gary O’driscoll, who is also head of the club’s sports medicine – are also designed to drive improvement on the pitch.
They have missed key players at key times and that has highlighted the heavy injury burden on the squad and the need for improvements, which have been fully supported by Ten
Ratcliffe spoke to the players but did not read the riot act – it was informal
Brailsford will build a siege mentality to bring togetherness to the United squad
Hag and INEOS. Ratcliffe has enjoyed being part of the drive for improvement, which explains his presence at the training ground.
It is clear he wants to play a role, Brailsford will be key and interim chief executive Patrick Stewart said this week in a call to all staff that INEOS will be involved in making decisions on and off the pitch.
No one should doubt Ratcliffe’s ambition after United poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be their new chief executive from the summer.
Following what the fans have seen as apathy under the Glazer ownership, there is suddenly a new sense of optimism, engagement and excitement at Carrington.
That has fed onto the training pitch and explains why even experienced players said this week the sessions have never been better.
But the harsh truth is that progress will ultimately be judged by what happens on the match-day pitch.