Man Utd’s most important Ineos signing isn’t a player, and Premier League rival experts are noticing

Add as preferred source on Google Manchester United have undergone massive changes behind the scenes since the arrival of Ineos as the footballing decision makers at the club.Upon taking charge of the footballing operations at Manchester United, Ineos set about revamping the behind-the-scenes set-up at the club, which for years had been woeful.This resulted in a brand new United recruitment team, with Christopher Vivell particularly settling into his role really positively.United’s recruitment has been ten times better since these changes were made; however, there has been an addition even more important than the players.Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images Are you happy with Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Manchester United’s data department subject of serious praise Data was not even a consideration at Manchester United before Ineos took charge; however, for all of the faults around Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impact on the club, data is a positive.Ineos’ role in Formula One with Mercedes has led to a huge value being placed on data, and this was carried to United, as Ruben Amorim even went to Silverstone last year.But the biggest benefit came with United appointing Michael Sansoni from Mercedes to overhaul the use of data at the club, and it has worked a treat.It has been reported by the Manchester Evening News that United’s data department is now considered top tier.Insiders and industry experts across the Premier League now discuss United’s use of data as being among the best in the league.Sansoni is credited for this, as he was hired in April 2024 from Mercedes, and since then, data has won the transfer windows for United.Using data has brought monumental changes to United’s recruitment in recent summers. The report adds that it will be utilised in the coming months to identify the best possible new manager addition, albeit it will be more difficult than with player recruitment.All of these positives are now being noticed by rivals, who are sure to try to mimic. Ineos have helped Manchester United create the wrong type of history this season! Do you blame ownership, managers, or the players? Getty Images Manchester United’s data-led transfer drive has been a massive successUnited’s data department was decades behind when Ineos took charge, as The Telegraph reported, with the turnaround being severe and quick.Last summer was the best example of this, with Senne Lammens signed over Emiliano Martinez thanks to the data department going against Amorim.While a similar situation saw Benjamin Sesko picked over Ollie Watkins again, based on the data behind both.If this trend continues in the summer, United could be set for a window that sets up the Premier League charge, particularly if similar investment or more is made in the current problem areas.Leaning into data took Liverpool back to the top of the game, and it appears to also be pushing United in that direction.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox