Mercedes' Sansoni could lead Man Utd data drive
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could use Ineos' Formula 1 involvement to help revolutionise Manchester United's data analysis.Amid a wide range of criticisms of United, Ratcliffe used an interview with the United We Stand fanzine to claim the club was "still in the last century of data analysis" and that it "doesn't really exist here".Although the club does spend significant amounts of money on data, Ratcliffe is determined to improve the situation.And that could lead to the appointment of Michael Sansoni, an engineer at Mercedes.No deal has been agreed yet but Ineos is a part-owner in the Mercedes F1 team, which should smooth the process.Sansoni is due to leave Mercedes at the end of the year and sources say a move to United would be akin to keeping him in the family and something that would be supported.One of the major issues for United in recent seasons has been recruitment.A gross spend in excess of £900m over the five years from 2019-2024 is a figure exceeded only by Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal over the same period.Few of the new arrivals could be regarded even as qualified successes, with the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek and Rasmus Hojlund alone providing little return for a total outlay of £260m.It has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford how Brighton and Brentford consistently punch above their weight in Premier League terms because of their use of data.Ratcliffe is committed to United making better use of their financial muscle and believes data is a way of doing that.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres hands Man Utd huge transfer boost as deal collapses
Manchester United remain keen to add some new faces to their squad on the final day of the first transfer window of the summer as they continue to chase Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres Manchester United have had a busy summer transfer window so far - and it's showing no signs of slowing down. The Red Devils have already signed Wolves forward Matheus Cunha after activating his £62.5m release clause. United have also signed young defender Diego Leon for a bargain fee. But a striker remains on the Red Devils' shopping list before the end of the summer. Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres has regularly been linked with a move but United could face competition from Arsenal. Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has also emerged as a major target but Thomas Frank's impending move to Tottenham could throw a spanner into the works. The first transfer window of the summer is set to close on Tuesday evening so club chiefs need to get a move on if they want to sign either of those stars. With that being said, take a look at the latest transfer rumours from the red half of Manchester: Gyokeres rejects move Man United's hopes of signing Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres have been handed a huge boost. According to L'Equipe, Saudi side Al-Hilal made a move for the forward after being turned down by Napoli's Victor Osimhen. It is suggested that they offered him a £30m-a-year deal to move to the Middle East. They also indicated to Sporting Lisbon that they would be willing to pay around £55m. But Gyokeres turned down that offer and remains keen on staying in Europe for the foreseeable future. United remain firmly in the race for his signature, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea. Hojlund deal collapses Should United sign Gyokeres, they might need to move on a couple of their current players. A candidate for an exit could be Rasmus Hojlund amid interest from Italy but it appears that United's demands could scupper a deal. According to reports in Italy, United want a permanent sale for around £40m. Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli are interested but they would only be able to do a deal on loan. Hojlund has recently spoken out on his future and claimed he does not want to go anywhere. He said: 'I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway. "I know I can't get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are, and that is that I have a contract with Manchester United until 2030. I expect to play there, so I'm just getting ready for some summer vacation and then hopefully a good pre-season." Garnacho sent scathing message Alejandro Garnacho has been told to 'get on with it' amid his uncertain future by England icon Chris Waddle. He said: "Garnacho might look good in training, and maybe Ruben Amorim would want to pick him, but he doesn't. Garnacho talks like he's got a million games under his belt. "We know he's a talented football player, but I think players at his age need to get their heads down, and if they're on the bench, well, that's a sign they need to improve to convince the manager. Just shut your mouth, get on with it. "He's a young player with a lot of years ahead of him, and if a manager thinks you need pulling off, you accept it. He talks like he's a senior player in his late 20s, but right now he's still learning. There's talk of him going to Italy – let's see how that goes for him." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Wales suffer dramatic World Cup qualifying defeat to Belgium after fightback
Kevin De Bruyne was the Belgium match-winner two minutes from time to deny Wales a precious point in Brussels. Belgium had seized complete control inside 27 minutes as Romelu Lukaku, with a controversial penalty, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku silenced the loud 4,500-strong following from Wales. But Harry Wilson gave Wales hope from the spot on the stroke of half-time, and cool finishes from Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson turned the tie on its head. Almost every goal had a laborious VAR check and a late Lukaku effort was chalked off – resulting in both Wales manager Craig Bellamy and his Belgium counterpart Rudi Garcia being booked – but there was no saving the visitors as De Bruyne volleyed home at the far post. Wales had lost top spot in Group J before kick-off courtesy of North Macedonia's win in Kazakhstan. Bellamy's unbeaten record would also disappear – exactly a year to the day since Wales had lost for the last time – in his 10th game in charge. It was a duel between familiar foes with this being their 11th meeting in 13 years. Neco Williams was absent after being taken off on a stretcher in Friday's victory over Liechtenstein, and Bellamy made three changes with Chris Mepham, David Brooks and Jordan James recalled. Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans led a Belgian team who featured several faces well known to Premier League fans. Bellamy had promised a bold approach and Thomas was positive in the first minute to deliver a cross into the six-yard box that no-one in the middle could get on the end of. But Wales crumbled in the space of 12 minutes after Johnson was adjudged to have handled De Bruyne's powerful shot. It appeared a harsh decision as Johnson's arm was close to his body, but Lukaku rolled the penalty home with ease. Belgium worked an overload down the right four minutes later and Maxim De Cuyper found Tielemans, who stroked the ball high past Karl Darlow in the Wales goal. Matz Sels instantly denied David Brooks one-on-one at the other end, and the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper shovelled aside Ben Davies' follow-up effort. But Belgium menaced with every attack and Doku broke clear to set up De Bruyne, who was inches away from adding another. Doku's footwork had dazzled and Wales had no answer when the Manchester City winger cut inside Davies. Darlow got a hand to the low shot, but could not prevent it from crossing the line. De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard were booked for cynical fouls on Johnson as Wales revived, and the visitors were given hope in first-half stoppage time. Sels made contact with Mepham's head as he attempted to fist away a Thomas corner and Wilson claimed his 14th international goal from the penalty spot. ⏰ FT | 🇧🇪 4-3 🏴 An enthralling encounter comes to an end in Brussels. 💻 — Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) June 9, 2025 Dodi Lukebakio missed a sitter within seconds of his half-time arrival and Belgium were punished when Wilson spotted Thomas unmarked on the left. The new Stoke signing kept his composure to fire under Sels for his first Wales goal. Wales wanted more and substitute Mark Harris sent a golden chance wide. Johnson nodded the leveller after Thomas had headed Wilson's cross back across goal, but De Bruyne had the final word to break Welsh hearts.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Unai Emery dealt fresh blow as another star hints at Aston Villa transfer exit
Missing out on the Champions League for next season is set to cost Aston Villa heavily next season, with boss Unai Emery seeing several of his players admit their futures are uncertain Youri Tielemans has admitted that his future at Aston Villa is uncertain, despite sweeping the club's awards. Tielemans joined Villa in the summer of 2023 after scoring the winner for Leicester City in that year's FA Cup final. Having taken some time to adjust to Villa's style of play, the Belgian became a key player for Unai Emery. He featured in 53 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and notching 10 assists in the process. Tielemans started every match in Villa's run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The campaign ended in a tide of disappointment though, with Villa qualifying for the Europa League, rather than the premier continental competition. That has led to fresh concerns over Villa's compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. That means that sales could well be needed this summer to ensure Emery's men avoid receiving a points deduction. Star keeper Emi Martinez already appears to be on his way out. And Tielemans has admitted his future is also far from certain, despite having two more years to run on his contract at Villa Park. 'There's nothing definitive or ruled out about whether I'll stay or leave. But I feel good at Aston Villa; I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the manager,' he said while on international duty with Belgium. 'Of course, I was able to score five goals and provide 10 assists this season. But I was also influential in my team's play. I've been consistent and I think I've improved throughout the season." 'We're used to playing a lot of matches, recovering between games. So, I didn't feel tired in Skopje. It must be said that I spent 60 minutes on the bench [laughs]. But now I'm ready to play and represent the country this Monday." Tielemans was crowned both Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season at Villa's awards night following his impressive season. He admitted to being left 'frustrated' at the end of the season after missing out on the top five. He said: "Frustrating to end the season this way. Thank you for your support throughout the whole campaign, Home and Away you've been amazing." If Tielemans did depart, it would be another blow for Emery amid Martinez's expected exit. After the season concluded, the Villa boss admitted that major changes could be coming in the Second City this summer. "We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field. Of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season," he said after the final day defeat to Manchester United. 'Frustrated today, but we are in the Europa League, we are in Europe. To be in Europe is important and being in three years in a row I think is something we are showing our consistency.'
