MANCHESTER UNITED have hired former Liverpool fitness coach Andy O’Boyle as deputy football director.
The Red Devils are in the midst of a major shakeup in the dugout and the boardroom after their abysmal 2021-22 season.
And United have re-signed O’Boyle – who worked in the academy 16 years ago – to serve as John Murtough‘s No2.
O’Boyle worked with youngsters like Marcus Rashford during his first spell at the club and has gone on to work as a fitness coach under Jurgen Klopp at fierce rivals Liverpool.
The lifelong United fan also enjoyed stints with England’s Under-21s, Coventry and Wrexham and is working towards his Uefa Pro Licence having left his role of head of elite performance at the Premier League.
Now O’Boyle – who has a Masters in sports science and is even working towards his doctorate – is back at Old Trafford as United embark on a new era under Erik ten Hag and Co.
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A Man Utd statement read: “Andy O’Boyle has been appointed as Manchester United’s Deputy Football Director, further strengthening leadership across the club’s football department.
“O’Boyle will leave his current role as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League to join United this summer.
“He will provide support to John Murtough, Football Director, in driving the club’s football strategy across the first team, Academy and women’s team.
“The appointment marks a return to Carrington for O’Boyle, 16 years after he served as a coach in our Academy, working with young players including Marcus Rashford.”
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On the appointment, football director Murtough said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy back to Manchester United to take up this important role in the club’s leadership.
“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 himself 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.”
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As a youngster, O’Boyle played in a Manchester United Centre of Excellence in his native Northern Ireland before moving into coaching and sports science.
On his return, the club statement concluded: “Everyone at Manchester United welcomes Andy back to the club.”
