Man United hold talks with data consultancy firm led by transfer chiefs behind Liverpool’s bargain Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson deals… as Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to overhaul the Red Devils’ recruitment
- Data company Ludonautics is led by Liverpool’s former research director
- Improving Man United’s recruitment is seen as a priority area for Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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Manchester United have held talks with the mastermind behind Liverpool’s successful transfer activity under Jurgen Klopp as they continue to improve their own recruitment.
Mail Sport understands that United have had discussions with Ludonautics, the sports consultancy and statistical analysis company of Liverpool’s former research director Dr Ian Graham, but they do not work for the club.
Ludonautics was founded by Graham last year in an attempt to offer the data and analytical services he provided during his 11 years at Anfield to other clubs.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards is also working for Ludonautics as a consultant after turning down numerous offers to return to full-time work at other clubs.
Graham and Edwards spent ten years together at Liverpool, having previously worked together at Tottenham.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, left, works as a consultant at Ludonautics
Dr. Ian Graham and Michael Edwards were credited with Mohamed Salah’s signing
Improving Man United’s recruitment is seen as a priority area for Sir Jim Ratcliffe
It is unclear whether United have made a formal offer to bring in Ludonautics, but they are not currently working for the club. Sources at Old Trafford told Mail Sport that United maintain an ongoing dialogue with a number of data and analytics providers to ensure they are fully aware of the latest developments in a rapidly evolving sector.
United’s recruitment has been widely criticized in recent years and has been identified as a priority area for new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is taking steps to improve matters.
As well as appointing Omar Berrada as CEO and moving to take over from Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as sporting director, United are also looking to recruit a technical director and performance director to work under him.
Ratcliffe’s other sporting interests are prioritizing the use of data, particularly the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, and that is seen as another key area where improvements can be made at United.
Ludonautics has been appointed by several clubs across Europe in recent months to strengthen their recruitment departments, but does not make their list of clients public.
United and Ludonautics declined to comment.
