Arsenal have already lost Dr Gary O’Driscoll to long-time rivals Manchester United despite their best efforts to keep him and will now rue the departure of Jordan Reece
Arsenal physio Jordan Reece is set to join Manchester United.
United have made an offer to poach highly-respected Reece from their Premier League rivals and final negotiations are taking place about his departure date. The Old Trafford club are in the middle of a medical review after being hit with a catalogue of injury problems which blighted their whole season.
It is being undertaken by United Dr Gary O’Driscoll who used to work at Arsenal and clearly knows Reece from his time at the club. United will be delighted with the appointment which will be seen as a huge positive for the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Reece has gained a reputation for working well with players, was credited for helping players like Gabriel Jesus through long term issues and is regarded as one of the best in the game. Arsenal are reluctant to lose him, having fought to keep O’Driscoll before he left for Old Trafford last season.
United had a shocking injury record and is something they were determined to address this summer under new monitory shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his lieutenant Sir Dave Brailsford. They have already made changes this season and have shaken up the medical team which saw the departure of some medical staff but the intention was always to make further changes and improvements.
United boss Erik Ten Hag blamed the injury list on their disappointing season, despite their FA Cup success. The injuries highlighted major problems which is partly down to the sheer number of games and demands of players.
They are looking at training methods, rehabilitation and are trying to understand any underlying issues but also want to get the best in class from a medical perspective. United’s biggest problem was in defence where they constantly changed central defensive partners and that was a key factor in their drop away in form in the closing weeks of the season.
United have already said publicly that they are currently reviewing Ten Hag’s position but clearly injuries played a part in how his season evolved. United and Arsenal declined to comment.
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