What new Man Utd figure is changing in huge 'overhaul' set to shake up Red Devils

Manchester United are overhauling their medical setup in an attempt to bridge the gap between themselves and rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. The Red Devils have been plagued by injury issues this term and an audit into the department has found that many areas of their medical team are in drastic need for modernisation.

This internal review has been carried out by the club’s head of sport’s medicine Gary O’Driscoll, who is planning to introduce a number of changes once INEOS 25 percent buyout of the club is ratified. Mail Sport understands that some of the changes will involve a more diverse process when appointing staff including more BAME, female and multi faith appointments. Additionally, O'Driscoll is also set to propose the employment of younger practitioners who can implement newer methods and a forward-thinking approach to sports medicine.

The move comes amid concerns that the 13-time Premier League winners are falling behind some of their rivals at the top of the table, hence putting the club at a disadvantage during some of their on the field performances. O'Driscoll replaced United's previous club doctor Steve McNally in September this year. He arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal with a wealth of experience after earlier spells with British Lions, Ireland Rugby, Saracens and British Cycling. He is regarded as a modern and forward thinking expert which could prove to be a key change in helping a club that many insiders have stated is “outdated” in some areas.

Sources insist the audit is not a direct result of the injuries that have ravaged the team's prospects this season, but there is a confidence a more modernised approach will ensure a higher percentage of player availability in the future.

Manchester United’s current injury list includes Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindeolf, while Marcus Rashford is a doubt for the trip to Anfield with an illness. The latest members of the growing list include Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw who both sustained injuries during the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.