Manchester United's director of data & AI, Michael Sansoni, is reportedly growing in influence over the club's recruitment decisions, including the future of manager Michael Carrick, despite having no prior football experience.
Poor start to the season
United have managed just two wins from their first 11 matches across all competitions this season, a far cry from the summer optimism that saw some label the Red Devils as potential title contenders. Their struggles were highlighted midweek with a humbling defeat away at Como, leading to suggestions that a change in the managerial department could be imminent.
Sansoni, who took up his role last year, is tasked with crunching the numbers specifically in relation to player and managerial recruitment. According to The Athletic, he has a good relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his influence is growing.
From Formula One to football
While Sansoni may lack football experience, he is no stranger to sports data. He spent 11 years working for Mercedes as the constructor's Senior Performance Simulation Engineer, part of the team that won eight World Championship titles. His appointment came after INEOS, heavily involved in Formula One, invested in United three years ago.
Shortly after his appointment, Sansoni wrote on LinkedIn: "I've inherited a brilliant team: smart, committed, and hungry to make a difference and together we're building a world-class data and AI function to power decision-making across football and the wider club."
Modernising United's data systems
Sansoni's task at United is to modernise the club's data analysis system, implementing high-precision methodologies and predictive analytics, primarily for signing players. However, such approaches will need to be adapted if United find themselves in need of a new manager.
Eddie Howe is one of the front-runners to replace Carrick, should it come to that, with Antonio Conte and Kieran McKenna also mentioned as potential replacements.
