INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford visited the Manchester United training ground today for the first time in an official capacity since Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 25% stake in the club, according to The Athletic.
He was shown round Carrington back in March as part of the bidding process which culminated in the British billionaire buying some stakes at the Old Trafford club.
Brailsford will hold talks with Man United manager Erik ten Hag, the coaching and recruitment staff and report back to Ratcliffe.
While formal meetings will come at a later date, INEOS are keen to evaluate areas for improvement before the approval of their partial takeover by the Premier League.
The process is expected to take between six and eight weeks, but Ratcliffe and his team have started work after striking a deal with the Glazers.
His right-hand man Brailsford attended the 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day and was also present at the 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest yesterday.
He would not have been pleased with what he saw, but Ten Hag is expected to remain in the job for the time being.
Man United do not return to action until January 8 when they take on Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup, but no major changes are expected at board level between now and then.
While Brailsford has started working for the Red Devils in a proper capacity, INEOS are unable to play a major role during the January transfer window, but all footballing and significant sporting decisions must be run past them during the ratification process.
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will be able to strengthen his squad when the transfer market reopens next month, but the Dutchman could do with more quality players given their struggles this term.
