Who is Andy O'Boyle? Manchester United's new deputy football director

Manchester United have announced that Andy O'Boyle has rejoined the club as deputy football director.

O'Boyle — who arrives two days after Ralf Rangnick's departure — will provide support to United's football director John Murtough. The club have announced that he will work to 'drive the club's football strategy across the first team, academy and women's team.

It's another significant appointment for United behind the scenes on the football side. Here, MEN Sport has taken a look at O'Boyle in further detail and how he will fit into United's future.

ALSO READ: Manchester United 2022/23 away kit 'leaked' online after Cristiano Ronaldo image

His United history

A lifelong United fan, O'Boyle has previously worked at Carrington but his connections go further back than that. As a youngster, he played in the United centre of excellence in Northern Ireland before focusing on behind-the-scenes work.

O'Boyle first worked for United 16 years ago as a coach for their academy. During that time he helped develop the likes of Marcus Rashford.

What is his football background beyond United?

After leaving United, O'Boyle spent two years as a fitness coach at Wrexham before taking on a sports scientist role at Coventry City in 2008. A large period of time was then spent at Anfield where he was a conditioning coach between 2011 and 2017.

His work at Liverpool was spotted by the FA, who hired him as a conditioning coach for the national team's Under 21 side. O'Boyle only spent a year with England before joining the Premier League as their head of elite performance.

A move away from the Premier League was prompted by United's approach for him for this new role. O'Boyle will complete his UEFA Pro Licence this summer and is working