Manchester United’s data director Michael Sansoni will provide some assistance with the three requested background additions.
Manchester United make three appointments following Sir Jim Ratcliffe complaint (Image: (Photo by Matt West/Shutterstock))
Manchester United are set to add three new people to their data department following complaints from Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Director of Data Michael Sansoni will take up the role this summer, with three new additions planned and the challenge of helping clubs modernize their data settings.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United will appoint a senior football data scientist, a senior software engineer and a senior football data engineer. A club representative said: “We are looking for an experienced and motivated individual to join Michael Sansoni and his team and help us set a new standard in soccer data.”
“Think APIs, machine learning, AI, web tools and streaming data pipelines. We are working on all of them to improve performance on the pitch and across the club.”
All three new staff members will work from the club’s Carrington training ground, which has undergone a £50 million refurbishment. Ratcliffe has previously criticized United’s data department and his appointment is expected to help.
read more: Manchester United say Luis Enrique has one big request before taking over as managerread more: Gary Neville warns Manchester United what not to do when appointed as next manager
In an interview with United We Stand magazine, he said: “It’s not good enough for Manchester United until we’re better than anyone else in the world. We have to recruit the best people in the world.”
“Data analysis is done in parallel with recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. Data analysis is still in the last century stage here. There is a huge amount of useful data that can be obtained from data analysis, but we are in the “very poor” group when it comes to data analysis here.
“These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flip a light switch and organize recruitment. It’s all about people and you have to find the right people.”
Sansoni said there had been “meaningful progress” during the summer transfer window, with “a new methodology starting to take shape and two great signings in Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo”. He added: “I have inherited a great team – smart, committed and hungry to make a difference, and together we are building world-class data and AI capabilities that will enhance decision-making across football and the club.”
“The challenge is great, but the opportunity is also great. We are just getting started.”
Michael Carrick was confirmed as Manchester United’s interim head coach earlier this week (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
United have already announced a number of new appointments last week, with Michael Carrick joining as interim head coach. Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Travis Binion, Jonny Evans and Craig Mawson will join the team temporarily in the dugout.
Carrick’s first game in charge will be quite a challenge as Josep Guardiola’s side head to Old Trafford for the Manchester derby at lunchtime on Saturday. The lack of European football and early withdrawal from both domestic competitions means United will only be able to play 40 games this season, which could be an advantage for other teams with tight fixture schedules.
Following the visit of Manchester City, United will face Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham United, Everton and Crystal Palace over the next six weeks.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
