Manchester United are overhauling their medical set-up after launching an internal review into the crucial department.
The audit, led by head of sports medicine Gary O’Driscoll, is underway with a view to modernising the club’s approach and will ultimately result in a range of recommendations being made to INEOS staff once their 25 per cent buyout of the club is ratified.
Mail Sport has learned that one of the key proposals from the review will be for United to make a concerted effort to increase diversity – including more BAME, female and multi-faith appointments – within their medical team.
They would like the make up and diversity of the staff to more closely reflect the make up and diversity of the squad’s dressing room.
Additionally, O’Driscoll is also set to propose the employment of younger practitioners who can implement newer methods and a forward-thinking approach to sports medicine.
The move comes amid concern behind the scenes that United’s rivals are significantly more advanced in terms of sports medicine, putting the Old Trafford club at a disadvantage in terms on-the-pitch performance.
O’Driscoll replaced United’s previous club doctor Steve McNally, who left the club last December to take up a role at the PGMOL, in September this year.
He arrived from Arsenal with a reputation as being one of the most progressive doctors on the Premier League circuit and has extensive experience of top-level sport having worked with the British Lions, Ireland Rugby, Saracens and British Cycling.
O’Driscoll’s modern approach makes him well-suited to revolutionising United’s medical division that numerous insiders have described as ‘out-dated’.