Legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson previously gave advice to Sir Dave Brailsford that could spell bad news for the Manchester United squad.
Brailsford is set to take a role at Old Trafford once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 per cent purchase of the club is ratified.
The former British Cycling chief has been seen in the crowd at United's last two matches against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
He was sat alongside Ferguson at the City Ground as United lost 2-1 to Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Sir Alex Ferguson gave advice to incoming Man Utd chief Sir Dave Brailsford
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And it appears the pair have known each other for some time.
Cycling journalist Daniel Friebe has opened up on lessons Ferguson gave Brailsford when they met over 10 years ago.
It is claimed that Ferguson told the ex-Team Sky manager to get rid of 'disruptive influences' in a team.
The Scot also advised Brailsford to remove people who were not working in the same direction as he was.
Friebe told Sky Sports: "I remember talking about conversations he'd had with Sir Alex Ferguson.
"This is going back maybe 10, 15 years. I think one of the things that Ferguson used to say that Dave definitely retained was: 'Get rid of the disruptive influences, get rid of people who aren't working in the same direction as you'.
"Dave, as far as I could see, really assimilated that. And that was one of the pillars of the team's success, knowing when to get rid of people, knowing when people were not on the same page as you.
"Speaking with physios, mechanics, that is something that happened at Team Sky.
"They wouldn't necessarily do anything egregiously wrong, but Dave would get to a point and think, 'This person is not for us anymore,' and out they would go."
Brailsford was seen pictured with Ratcliffe at United's training ground this week, meeting players and manager Erik ten Hag.
United have recently been hit with reports of discontent among the squad, claims that Ten Hag has denied.
Friebe reckons Brailsford's arrival could spell bad news for some players at the club.
He added: "I would say you will probably see quite a lot of players who are perceived to be bad apples kicked out.
"The team I support, Arsenal, have done that very, very effectively in three or four high-profile cases.
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Sir Alex Ferguson sat alongside Sir Dave Brailsford during the loss to Nottingham Forest
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"It was short term pain for long term gain and I would expect United to have to do a bit of that.
"Some of their star players are on long term contracts and they'll be expensive to get rid of but if they really want to pivot they probably have to do that - and I certainly don't think he'll be afraid of doing that."
Jadon Sancho is one player who could be on his way out.
The winger hasn't played since being banished from the first team by Ten Hag earlier this season.
Borussia Dortmund are linked with re-signing Sancho on loan this month.
Sir Dave Brailsford met Man Utd players this week alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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Meanwhile, Ten Hag is looking forward to working under Ratcliffe and Brailsford after meeting the pair this week.
The Dutchman said: "Very positive, I have to say. So many hours we sit together. On many issues we were on the same page.
"I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we’re looking forward to working with each other.”
