Brailsford plans to shift training base

SIR Dave Brailsford has impressed figures at United amid his audit of the club’s infrastructure and believes the club need to relocate from their Carrington training complex.

Brailsford, the Ineos sporting director, joined the football board when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 27.7 per cent stakeholding was ratified in late February but he has attended the majority of matches since the Boxing Day comeback victory over Aston Villa.

Sources have told M.E.N. Sport Brailsford has provided detailed observations on the club, comparing United to his work with Team Sky and the Ineos Grenadiers in cycling.

Brailsford has imparted ‘lots of little nerdy details’ but there is a feeling the adjustments will raise United’s standards to an elite level.

Brailsford made surreptitious visits to Carrington before the Christmas Eve announcement that Ratcliffe would become a co-owner at United.

It is understood Brailsford has concluded Carrington is not fit for purpose as an elite sports base.

Club sources have said the expansion of the women’s team and a new £7million building is used by female and academy players have contributed to the condensed environment. United moved to Carrington in January 2000.

United have already appointed Jason Wilcox as technical director but are struggling to make headway in discussions with Newcastle for sporting director Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave.