Manchester United players were visibly unimpressed during a meeting with INEOS's chief, showing their disapproval through eye-rolling and head-shaking.

The players of Manchester United were left feeling skeptical and unimpressed after their first meeting with Sir Dave Brailsford. After the INEOS chief took over a 27.7% stake in the club, along with control of all football operations, the team was hopeful for a new and promising future. However, their initial encounter with Brailsford left them feeling underwhelmed.

The club had undergone a major restructuring since the takeover, with new faces such as Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox joining as chief executive, sporting director, and technical director respectively. But as the 2024-25 season began, it became clear that the task at hand was not going to be easy. Manchester United was currently languishing in 14th place, putting pressure on their manager, Erik ten Hag, who had recently been given a contract extension.

Brailsford, known for his role in leading the revival of British cycling, was a crucial member of the INEOS team. He had been present in several early meetings with the club, including one with the first-team squad in February. However, according to ESPN, the players were unimpressed with Brailsford's vision for the club and his demeanor during the meeting.

A source revealed, "Brailsford held a meeting with the first-team squad shortly after INEOS took charge of football operations at the club. He sat there in a cream shirt and pair of cream chinos, telling the players that he lived on the most exclusive street in Monte Carlo, but that he was coming to Manchester because he was going to help make United better." The players were left feeling like they were expected to be grateful for Brailsford's presence, despite his lavish lifestyle.

The disappointment continued as the players saw the effects of cost-cutting measures and job losses at the club. Over 250 employees had already been made redundant, including the axing of Sir Alex Ferguson's role as global club ambassador. This decision sparked outrage from former players, such as Eric Cantona, who described it as "scandalous."

Despite the initial excitement surrounding the takeover, it seemed that the players' doubts and concerns were beginning to overshadow the promises of a better future. As the club continued to struggle on the field and undergo changes off the field, it remained to be seen how this new regime would truly benefit Manchester United.

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