Manchester United announces its new Head of Medical Services as the medical department sees a major overhaul.
The summer has been one of overhaul at Manchester United, both on and off the pitch. On the playing side, Ruben Amorim has brought in a number of new attackers well suited to his style of play, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. While Marcus Rashford has been the only major exit so far, other members of the “bomb squad” also look likely to leave before the window’s end.
Player transfers have been the main focus of United news, but the changes off the pitch have been just as significant. In June, it was announced that Academy Director Nick Cox would be leaving United for Everton, and this week it was confirmed that Stephen Torpey would take over his role.
Given United’s long tradition of trusting and developing youth, Torpey has taken on one of the most important jobs at the club. He spent his own youth career at Liverpool and most recently worked as academy director at Brentford.
Earlier in the year, alongside Cox’s departure, it was also announced that several key members of United’s medical staff would be leaving the club.
United’s medical department shake-up
United’s Head of Medical Services, Gary O’Driscoll, who joined from Arsenal in 2023, was revealed to be departing earlier in the year. First-team doctor Jim Moxon and first-team physio David Binningsly are also set to leave, with Moxon due to join Brighton.
As confirmed by the club, replacing O’Driscoll will be Imtiaz Ahmed, who is currently Head of Sports Medicine & Science at Crystal Palace, a position he has held for the past 19 months. Ahmed will not be able to join United until he completes his notice period at Palace, with O’Driscoll staying on until that point.
United will be gaining a new head of medical services with 20 years of football experience. Ahmed’s CV includes spells at the FA, Crystal Palace, QPR, Millwall, and Tottenham. He also currently serves as Chairman of the Football Association Medical Society.
Ahmed’s appointment has been overseen by Sam Erith, United’s Performance Director, since last September.
Ahmad must improve United’s injury issues
United were one of the most heavily affected sides by injuries last season, suffering 20 across the Premier League campaign. This was the fifth-worst record in the league, with the median number of injuries being 14.
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At Crystal Palace, Ahmed oversaw a medical department that managed 14 major injuries last season, placing the club around mid-table in terms of injury record. While not all injuries can be attributed directly to a medical department, its work is critical.
Medical teams constantly monitor and manage minor issues that could otherwise develop into major injuries.
Proper maintenance helps keep players available for selection. If Ahmed can replicate the success he had at Palace, Amorim should have his preferred line-ups available more often.
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