United launch initiative with Manchester Met

United will work together with Manchester Met on a number of short and long-term research and innovation projects to deliver insights which drive competitive advantage on the field.

A series of PhD programmes will form the centre piece of the project, enabling the club to benefit from the Institute’s world-class expertise. The initiative will also create opportunities for students to work with Manchester United through mentorship and work-experience schemes, as well as guest lectures and workshops delivered by Manchester United staff across the universities degree programmes.

John Murtough, Manchester United football director, said: “We are constantly striving to be at the forefront of innovation and advancement in football performance and this initiative will reinforce those efforts.

“Working with the Institute of Sport will build on our excellent existing research and innovation teams in order to further enhance the performance and development support that we are able provide for our players.”

Professor Tim Cable, director of the Institute of Sport, said: “Our collaboration with Manchester United has enabled us to attract world-leading talent into Manchester and bring our critical mass and state of the art scientific research to address the performance needs of the club.

“Through the Institute and its global scientific network, the initiative will provide the club with an added layer of intelligence around the latest developments in performance science within the context of player development.

"The project will enable the Institute’s experts to work closely with club staff to address multidisciplinary performance challenges, further strengthening Manchester United’s football operations.”