Sir Dave Brailsford “really impressed” Rio Ferdinand with one key message during private conversation

Rio Ferdinand has recalled the private conversation he had with Manchester United director Sir Dave Brailsford and why it really impressed him.

Brailsford, 60, joined United as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS‘ stake in the club, which was ratified last month.

The performance expert is Ratcliffe’s right-hand man and has already immersed himself in the club in order to find the best strategy to improve the situation at Old Trafford.

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He has attended every game United have played since the confirmation of the deal on Christmas Eve last year. Brailsford has also spoken to countless staff at Carrington and Old Trafford.

The 60-year-old even had time to speak with United legend Rio Ferdinand and briefly talk to him about the project at hand.

Ferdinand has detailed the conversation and believes that INEOS will have a “real focus on football” at United — something that the Glazer family has been heavily criticised for ignoring.

“I was really impressed,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports when speaking about his conversations with Brailsford. “Impressed with the clarity. There was transparency, and I think there is going to be a real focus on football from the top down.

“So I am really looking forward to the new phase.”

INEOS are also reportedly setting targets for the summer transfer window, despite not yet having their full structure in place. Dan Ashworth is keen to join the project and is currently on gardening leave from his Newcastle role because of that, but United need to find an agreement with the Geordies.

Yet, reports have stated that the new co-owner and his team are planning to focus on central defence, full-back and centre-forward as three prime positions to target once the season is over.