Soccer

Antrim man Andy O'Boyle named deputy football director at Manchester United

New Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag with Football Director John Murtough (right) - they will be joined at Old Trafford by Randalstown man Andy O'Boyle as Deputy Football Director.
New Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag with Football Director John Murtough (right) - they will be joined at Old Trafford by Randalstown man Andy O'Boyle as Deputy Football Director. New Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag with Football Director John Murtough (right) - they will be joined at Old Trafford by Randalstown man Andy O'Boyle as Deputy Football Director.

Manchester United have appointed county Antrim man Andy O'Boyle as the club's deputy football director.

O'Boyle, who is a cousin of former Antrim senior football captain Kevin O'Boyle, will leave his role as head of elite performance at the Premier League, will work under football director John Murtough to "drive the club's football strategy across the first team, academy and women's team".

From Randalstown, Andy played Gaelic football for Creggan and for Antrim up to Minor level before moving into soccer coaching. 

His appointment sees O'Boyle return to United, having previously worked for the club as an academy coach.

Although he’s a life-long Red Devils fan, O’Boyle spent six years working for their arch-rivals Liverpool, and helped their rise under Jurgen Klopp.

From July 2011 to October 2015 O’Boyle operated as Head of Fitness Elite Development at Anfield, before becoming first team Fitness Coach when Klopp was appointed in October 2015.

The Randalstown man was involved as the Reds reached the League Cup and Europa League Finals in 2016 and helped them to return to the Champions League with a top four finish in 2017 before leaving that April to take up a role with the Premier League.

He said on the club's official website: "I am thrilled to be rejoining Manchester United at such an exciting time for the club, as the first team prepares for a fresh start under Erik Ten Hag, and the Academy and women's teams go from strength to strength.

"Whilst it has been a privilege to serve the Premier League for the past five years I can't wait to get started at United and play my part in creating the right environment for football success."

Murtough added: "We are delighted to welcome Andy back to Manchester United to take up this important role in the club's leadership.

"Andy has experience across all technical areas of football, from fitness and sports science to scouting and recruitment.

"This will make him a valuable addition to my team at Carrington as we continue to strengthen leadership and strategic planning across all our football activities."