Roland Cutinho
Manchester United are set to sign Arsenal’s head of medical services, Gary O’Driscoll
As revealed by The Athletic [subscription required] (h/t the Sun), Manchester United are set to sign Arsenal’s head of medical services, Gary O’Driscoll, as the Gunners are set to lose one of their most important backroom staff members.
The 52-year-old professional, who has been with the North London club since 2009, holds a significant position as the head of medical services.
He has emerged as a crucial figure behind the scenes, playing a prominent role in Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing documentary focused on the Gunners. Additionally, he frequently appears in videos showcasing new signings, and conducts their medical examinations.
O’Driscoll has played a crucial role within Arteta’s coaching staff at the Emirates Stadium and is considered a trusted member of the Spaniard’s inner circle.
Liverpool, who were then vying for titles and needed a new head of their medical department, approached him in 2020. O’Driscoll had agreed to take on the role at Anfield, but Arteta successfully convinced him to remain at Arsenal.
According to The Athletic, O’Driscoll will now be leaving the Gunners to join Old Trafford this summer. While there were previous successful attempts to persuade him to stay, this time he will be moving to Man United.
However, the doctor has agreed to remain at Arsenal for a “transition period,” during which he will help in the integration of his successor.
The medical service officer’s departure from Arsenal has been met with shock and is considered a significant loss for the club. He is highly regarded and well-liked among the squad at London Colney, having been with the club for a longer period than any of the current first-team players.
Although O’Driscoll had not been actively looking to leave Arsenal, he was persuaded by an approach from Man United. The opportunity to be closer to his family in the Northwest played a key role in his decision to make the move.
Since Steve McNally’s departure from Old Trafford as head of their medical department in December of last year, the club has been in search of a suitable replacement.
Interim replacement Jim Moxon is expected to continue as part of the medical staff under the newly appointed O’Driscoll.
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The fans will hope that the pair can resolve United’s recurring injury problems. The Red Devils have faced numerous injury issues over the past year, with players like Antony, Raphael Varane, and Anthony Martial enduring periods of absence due to injury issues.
O’Driscoll is widely regarded as one of the finest medical experts in English football. United supporters will be optimistic that his presence can contribute to keeping the team free from injuries.
