Man Utd set new targets likened to NASA putting man on the moon as Sir Dave Brailsford slams 'acceptance of mediocrity' culture

The Red Devils have stagnated since seeing legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson head into retirement back in 2013. He walked away off the back of a 13th Premier League title triumph, which took the club to 20 top-flight crowns in total.

They have not come particularly close to landing another since then, but the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS co-ownership group in February 2024 was supposed to help United get back on track. They have remained stuck in reverse for the most part, while generating unwelcome headlines with a series of controversial cost-cutting measures.

Despite positivity at Old Trafford being in short supply, The Athletic reports on how Ratcliffe's close ally Sir Dave Brailsford – the former head of British cycling that helped to deliver Olympic gold medals and historic Tour de France triumphs when filling previous roles – laid out ambitious plans for the future during one all-staff address.

He is said to have drawn up visions for ‘Mission 21’ – which relates to the men’s team winning another league title – and ‘Mission 1’ – which will see the women’s side claim a first WSL crown. Club staff have compared Brailsford's goals to NASA’s Apollo mission aimed at putting a man on the moon by the time the 1960s ended.

Brailsford is, however, said to be concerned that the project he now forms part of alongside Ratcliffe has "no overarching vision or strategy, no clear structure and no established processes to put plans in place". It is claimed that he believes there is a "staleness about United, an acceptance of mediocrity".

Changing that is proving difficult, with United a long way from reaching for the stars at present. Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since inheriting managerial reins, with his side sat 15th in the Premier League table – just three places above the relegation zone with 13 games left to take in this season.