Manchester United have launched “Mission 21”. Surely it isn’t James Bond rescuing them, but somehow United has come up with a daring initiative aimed at capturing their record extending 21st Premier League title within the next three years. With Liverpool already on their toes to equal the long-eluding 20th title, Sir Dave Brailsford has begun his quest to put United back to its winning ways. Sir Dave Brailsford, a renowned figure from British Cycling, has represented a different approach to what the club has been doing lately. This eccentric plan is a significant shift in the club’s approach, focusing on nurturing the best young talent worldwide rather than putting the money on marquee signings of established stars.
Since INEOS’s partial takeover of United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, Brailsford has taken on a pivotal role in redefining the club’s culture and performance strategies. Working alongside technical director Jason Wilcox, Brailsford’s plan is to build a sustainable model rooted in the principles of scouting and developing elite prospects. This comes after years of many failed plans and an erratic approach in the transfer market where the club couldn’t translate any business into success.
With the much ambitious ‘Mission 21’, United has got on board former Liverpool employee, James Morton, who is a professor of exercise metabolism. He previously worked with both Sky and Liverpool. Morton has incorporated his his nutrition and recovery protocols into ‘Mission 21’ where he aims to to ensure that United’s young talents are not only skilled but also physically primed to meet the rigours of the Premier League.
The change discussed in ‘Mission 21’ could be seen in the recently concluded winter transfer window as well where United went for Youth. Instead of the usual cash spill for seasoned players, United went in for the likes of 21 year old Dorgu and 18 year old Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Similarly, United was able to offload some wage bills as they saw Rashford, Malacia and Antony leave on loans. This financial approach will certainly help United comply with the Profit and Sustainability rules while plotting a return to the top.
Brailsford and Morton presented “Mission 21” to senior staff at Carrington towards the end of 2024, outlining their vision not just for the men’s team but also launching “Mission 1”, a similar plan for Manchester United Women to capture their first Women’s Super League title. Both these missions are part of the “Project 150” initiative, which coincides with United’s 150th anniversary in 2028 with much needed success.
For a fanbase starved of Premier League success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, is “Mission 21” a beacon of hope or just another fictional plan for United, who is struggling this season as well? They sit in an embarrassing 13th, something unknown to many United faithful. However, if United can translate this plan into credible success, it will be a change and a return to the values of nurturing talent that defined the club’s golden eras. While the road back is tough for United, as fans we can only hope, as this blueprint offers a narrative for the next chapter of Manchester United’s history.