“We want to do that…” David Gill’s Man United message is sparking INEOS transfer strategy

INEOS chief Sir Dave Brailsford was sat alongside former Manchester United chief executive David Gill on Monday night in the directors’ box at the DW Stadium.

They witnessed United’s progression into the FA Cup fourth round after a 2-0 victory against League One side Wigan Athletic.

Brailsford, 59, has been present at every game since it was confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will purchase a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club. Jean Claude-Blanc was also present for the FA Cup tie.

David Gill, 66, stepped down from his position as chief executive when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. He moved into a non-executive director role afterwards.

He had helped Ferguson build some of the best teams in Europe and knew the exact style of player suited to Old Trafford.

In 2016, Gill was asked about the style of play in which Louis van Gaal’s team were playing, and he went on to describe that the team needed the right footballers to play a specific way.

“I don’t want to talk about quality [of football] – but I’m not going to sit here and say it’s that attractive,” said Gill, as quoted by the Mirror.

“For me, what we did in the past was great – you’ve got to have the players to do that. The Ryan Giggs running down the wing, [David] Beckham etc, [Paul] Scholes.

“Manchester United going back to the 50s with Matt Busby, when I started supporting them, with George Best, they played in a certain way. I’m sure we want to do that. We want attacking football I’m sure that will be a key part going forward.”

Ratcliffe and Brailsford appear to be taking inspiration from the former chief.

According to footballtransfers, the new regime have a vision that involves building a strong British core within the squad, particularly under the age of 25.

The emphasis is not only on homegrown talent but also on acquiring Premier League-proven players, believing a mix of both will strengthen the club’s position for the immediate and distant future.

Michael Olise has been one player strongly linked with an Old Trafford move already, as well as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.