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Manchester United are set to sign Jordan Rees from Arsenal despite the London club’s best efforts to keep the highly-rated physio at the Emirates.
John Cross (The Daily Mirror) reveals that United have “made an offer” to Reece with “final negotiations” to take place around the date of his departure from Arsenal.
Reece has been described as a “key ally” to Mikel Arteta and has been credited with his work with an Arsenal squad whose ability to stay healthy and available has been a key part of their dramatic improvements over the past two seasons.
In particular, Gabriel Jesus is said to have been greatly assisted by a physio who is considered “one of the best in the game” for his specific role.
Moss reveals that while Arsenal do not want to lose Reece, he will follow the path of Dr Gary O’Driscoll – the former Gunners medical chief who moved to Manchester last September to become United’s head of sports medicine.
O’Driscoll, who was as well-respected at the Emirates as Reece, has been tasked with leading a medical at Old Trafford to remedy the situation that has led to the injury crisis that has decimated Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
INEOS has made this analysis a priority early in their tenure at Old Trafford with widespread acceptance within the executive structure of the impact these injuries have had on a disappointing year, despite last weekend’s FA Cup success.
Ten Haag has repeatedly mentioned the almost unbearable situation created by injuries, especially in defense. At one point, away to West Ham, the Dutchman was forced to partner Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala as all four of his senior centre-backs (Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof) were ruled out. As expected, United would go down to a 2-0 defeat.
The situation was similar at left back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia ruled out for almost the entire year. The hastily agreed loan of Sergio Reguilon was sanctioned at the end of the summer window last year, only for the Spaniard to injure himself.
The medical team were believed to have convinced Ten Haag that they would be able to welcome back both Malacia and Shaw in early 2024. This led to the termination of Reguilon’s loan, only for Malacia to never return and Shaw to be injured again.
O’Driscoll’s review looks at training methods and rehabilitation programmes, while seeking to uncover any underlying problems within the squad at this time, to ensure this type of incident does not happen again next season.
Another key part of this process is the recruitment of “best in class” practitioners for the medical department, which is why Reece was approached by United, presumably at O’Driscoll’s behest given their previous experience together.
Moss described Old Trafford executives as “delighted” with the move, which will be a “huge positive” for the club.
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