Sir Dave Brailsford's stark message to Man United players behind closed doors that Ten Hag must fear

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has revealed that Ineos' Director of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford has warned the squad about the only priority for the club.

Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a minority stake in the club earlier this year and has grand ambitions to turn the club back into the force it once was. He has wasted no time in restructuring the club's hierarchy, bringing in the likes of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, while still pursuing a move for Dan Ashworth.

The biggest decision facing Ratcliffe and the Ineos Group, however, is the future of manager Erik ten Hag, who is under mounting pressure. United's underwhelming performances in recent months has resulted in pressure increasing on the Dutchman's shoulders.

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United progressed to the FA Cup final at the weekend, meaning winning the trophy at Wembley next month may be his only hope of keeping his job beyond the end of this season. Regardless of what happens in relation to the Dutchman's future, however, Maguire believes long overdue changes will be made by Ratcliffe and his team as they search for the winning formula that has deserted the club.

"They've brought a lot of positivity to the club and to the fan base," Maguire told Sky Sports. "I think there will be changes and rightly so.

"The club is wanting to get back to where it was 15 years ago, and that's fighting for the big trophies and league titles. They've come in and had conversations with us all. It's been really positive and a good energy that they've brought to the club.

"I'm sure they have a plan. We know what their vision is and it's a vision to win. When Sir Dave has come in, he spoke about winning and that's the main focus of this club. That's what this club is all about."

United last won the Premier League title 11 years ago, meaning they have not climbed to the top step of English football's podium since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Ratcliffe, speaking in February, vowed to change that, outlining a plan to knock Manchester City and Liverpool, who have been the leading title contenders in recent years, "off their perch".

The United co-owner said: "We have a lot to learn from the noisy neighbour, and our other neighbour [Liverpool]. They are the enemy at the end of the day and there's nothing I would like better than to knock both of them or one of them off their perch.

"But equally, we are the three great northern clubs and we're all quite close to each other. They've been in a good place for a little while. Both of them. There are things to be learned from both of those clubs."

United are currently marooned in seventh spot in the table ahead of tonight's game against Sheffield United., and haven't won in the league since March 9.