News | Thursday, 18th January 2024
Manchester United and University’s Institute of Sport launch research partnership
Academic expertise to help drive elite performance
Manchester United and Manchester Metropolitan University have joined forces to work together on research and innovation studies to help drive elite performance across the club’s Men’s, Women’s and Academy teams.
United will work with the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport on a number of short and long-term 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 University’s world-class sport science 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 the club’s staff across Manchester Met’s degree programmes.
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.”
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.”
Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport is a sporting and health hub in the heart of Manchester. It provides support and research for elite sporting organisations and the University’s student athletes. The centre also works with health organisations and communities to support wider healthy living and ageing.
The partnership with Manchester United will build on the existing relationships the University has with major sporting institutions including Sale Sharks and Manchester Thunder.
