Manchester United suffers double blow in medical department as head of sports medicine Gary O’Driscoll and senior doctor Jim Moxon step down

Manchester United is set for a major shake-up in its medical department as two key figures, Gary O’Driscoll and Jim Moxon, prepare to leave their roles.

O’Driscoll, the club’s head of sports medicine, is stepping down after just 18 months, while Moxon, the senior men’s first-team doctor, is also departing after two years to pursue a new opportunity.

Departures Deemed Unrelated to Club Layoffs

Despite ongoing restructuring at United, with up to 200 redundancies expected, sources insist that O’Driscoll and Moxon’s exits are purely coincidental.

Their decisions, according to insiders, are not linked to the recent staff cuts or the team’s ongoing struggles with injuries.

O’Driscoll’s Short but Impactful Stint

O’Driscoll’s departure comes as a surprise, given his reputation as one of the most respected professionals in sports medicine.

Having spent 14 years at Arsenal before joining United in 2023, he was seen as a key figure in reshaping the club’s medical setup.

Sources indicate that he feels now is the right time to move on after implementing significant improvements in the department.

Injury Crisis Not a Factor?

United has been dealing with a mounting injury crisis, with more than 60 cases of injuries and illnesses last season.

Currently, head coach Ruben Amorim is without 10 players, leaving the squad severely depleted.

However, sources maintain that the departures of O’Driscoll and Moxon are unrelated to these issues.

Key players like Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo are expected to be out for the rest of the season, while Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Altay Bayindir, and Jonny Evans remain sidelined.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Both O’Driscoll and Moxon will stay on during a transitional period to ensure continuity in medical support while United searches for their replacements.

The club will now need to act swiftly to bring in new medical staff to handle its ongoing challenges.

What’s Next for United?

With two senior medical staff members leaving and an injury crisis still looming, United faces a critical period.

The club’s next steps in recruiting top-tier medical professionals will be crucial in maintaining player fitness and overall team performance.