Insider: Erik ten Hag set to agree landmark Man United deal after ‘big’ development
Head of football medicine & science Steve McNally’s departure from Man United is a “big loss” but an opportunity for Erik ten Hag to further stamp his authority on the club.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
Man United confirmed last week (8 December) that McNally was set to leave his role after 16 years at the end of January to take up a role at the PGMOL.
He joined under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2006 and was at the club when they won five Premier League titles and a Champions League.
“It’s always difficult when you lose a long-term employee,” Dinnery told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“They understand, first and foremost, the club. He’s been the head of the department under the stewardship of several managers.
“It’s important within the team that you have working for you, as a manager, that they understand the philosophies and deliver across every level.
“In particular, with sports science and how it’s evolving these days, it’s about understanding every player in every tier of the club. He will have a great understanding of that having been at Old Trafford for a number of years.
“It’s a big loss but it’s also an opportunity for someone to come in with new ideas and for Erik ten Hag to maybe handpick somebody, his own man.
“That’s what you always want in your team. Someone you can trust, someone you have worked with before and who understands what you want and who can implement those strategies and techniques without too much oversight and management.
“I think Erik ten Hag will probably relish the opportunity to bring in somebody new. We know there’s going to be a bit of an overhaul anyway and investment in that department.
“It’s a loss but it’s also a fresh start and an opportunity for someone else.”
In other news, Man United have opened direct talks to sign a player and £45million will seal a January deal.