Manchester United’s head of sports medicine Gary O’Driscoll is set to leave the club after just 18 months in the job.
United sources say the news is not connected with the latest round of redundancies or the litany of injuries suffered at first-team level since last season.
O’Driscoll joined United from Arsenal in September 2023, and his arrival was considered a significant coup. But he has now decided to move on in a surprise development, having overseen a number of changes across the medical department. Jim Moxon, the men’s first-team football doctor, is also leaving the club to take up a new role elsewhere.
It is understood both will stay on for a period to ensure there is no disruption in medical support during the final months of the season as United search for replacements.
United insiders say the exits of both men are not related to the latest round of job cuts, with up to 200 more staff set to be made redundant, or the continuing injury battles at first-team level.
Ruben Amorim, the United head coach, is without 10 players through injury ahead of the second leg of the huge Europa League round-of-16 tie at home to Real Sociedad on Thursday. The squad was also besieged with injuries last term under his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
Lisandro Martínez has been ruled out for the season and Amad Diallo is not certain to play again this term.
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are long-term injury absences and Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are also out. Amorim said there was a chance Ugarte could return for the Sociedad game. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Chelsea will have to pay a significant financial penalty if they opt not to sign Jadon Sancho permanently from United this summer.
Sancho’s loan move to Stamford Bridge contains an obligation to buy for between £20 million and £25 million if Chelsea finish in the top 14 in the Premier League this term. But it has been reported he has yet to agree contract terms with Chelsea, who are also looking at other wingers.
