Manchester United hire ex-Liverpool fitness coach Andy O’Boyle

Manchester United have appointed one of Jurgen Klopp’s former fitness coaches at Liverpool as their new deputy football director.

Andy O’Boyle comes to Old Trafford from the Premier League, where he has spent the last five years as head of elite performance.

United said O’Boyle will provide support to football director John Murtough and form the club’s strategy across not only the first team but also the academy and women’s side as well.

Manchester United have appointed Andy O’Boyle, who formerly worked as one of Jurgen Klopp’s fitness coaches at Liverpool, as their new deputy football director

He will assist football director John Murtough as new manager Erik ten Hag starts his rebuild

His appointment will lessen the burden on Murtough by taking away much of the day-to-day bureaucracy, allowing him to concentrate on first-team recruitment as new manager Erik ten Hag gets to work.

O’Boyle, who hails from Northern Ireland, is a lifelong United supporter and briefly worked as a coach in their academy 16 years ago. Marcus Rashford was among the current United players he worked with back then.

‘We are delighted to welcome Andy back to Manchester United to take up this important role in the club’s leadership,’ said Murtough.

‘Andy has experience across all technical areas of football, from fitness and sports science to scouting and recruitment.

‘This will make him a valuable addition to my team at Carrington as we continue to strengthen leadership and strategic planning across all our football activities.’

O’Boyle said: ‘I am thrilled to be rejoining Manchester United at such an exciting time for the club, as the first team prepares for a fresh start under Erik ten Hag, and the Academy and women’s teams go from strength to strength.

‘Whilst it has been a privilege to serve the Premier League for the past five years, I can’t wait to get started at United and play my part in creating the right environment for football success.’

O’Boyle is set to complete his UEFA Pro Licence this summer and is also working towards a doctorate.

His wide-ranging brief at the Premier League included responsibility for advising clubs on talent identification and recruitment, performance analysis, sports science and medicine, psychology and loan management.

He also played a role as the Premier League devised its strategy for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

O’Boyle has also worked previously for England under 21s, Coventry City and Wrexham.