Sir Dave Brailsford watches Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest next to Sir Alex Ferguson

INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford watched Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground while sitting next to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Brailsford was also at Old Trafford for United’s Boxing Day win over Aston Villa in what was the club’s first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival was announced. He is set to be part of Ratcliffe’s inner circle when INEOS assume sporting control of the club once the investment is ratified by the Premier League.

Ratcliffe is expected to make changes at boardroom level with Richard Arnold leaving his CEO post earlier this month while United are also planning to replace football director John Murtough.

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MEN Sport understands that Newcastle official Dan Ashworth is being headhunted. Reports elsewhere claimed last month that Ratcliffe wants to include Sir Alex in providing advice on boardroom appointments, although this has not been confirmed.

Erik ten Hag has welcomed the arrival of Ratcliffe and plans to chat with the 71-year-old about navigating the future. He said of the investment on Friday: "I look forward. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we will have the conversations, the meetings. We will see.

"I'm focused on the game so far, so I said no (to discussions). In this moment I don't want to have distractions. In the coming days, weeks, there will be time for us, then I'll know more.

"I think it's a good thing, it's very positive. We are looking really forward to work together. Ineos wants to work with me in this structure and I want to work with them.

"We always want to win, it doesn't matter who is the leader. We are appointed