One of the most intriguing elements of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's imminent acquisition of 25% of Manchester United is the key role Sir David Brailsford is set to play at Old Trafford.
The Ineos director of sport is best known to a wider audience for having led the revival of British cycling.
But having overseen the petro-chemical company's sports portfolio since 2021, Brailsford is now set to sit on a powerful three-person committee running the football operations of one of the world's biggest clubs.
It is the latest remarkable twist in a career that has featured much success, but also considerable controversy.