Key Highlights
- In December 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized Manchester United’s use of analytics.
- INEOS appointed Michael Sansoni as director of data at Old Trafford in April 2025.
- The new data department has helped Manchester United become one of the Premier League’s best teams with statistical analysis.
- Manchester United spent over £200 million on signings this summer, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Ratcliffe’s Criticism Paves Way for Data-Driven Revolution
In a stinging critique delivered in December 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire who controls INEOS, lambasted Manchester United’s use of analytics. At the time, the club was widely seen as lagging behind its peers in leveraging data-driven strategies for recruitment and performance optimization.
From Criticism to Transformation
The situation dramatically shifted less than a year later when INEOS embarked on an ambitious plan to revamp Manchester United’s data department. The goal was clear: transform the club from a backwater of traditional scouting methods into a cutting-edge analytics powerhouse, drawing inspiration from Ratcliffe’s own Formula 1 expertise.
Michael Sansoni Joins from Mercedes F1
The appointment of Michael Sansoni as director of data in April 2025 marked INEOS’s most significant move. Sansoni, with his background at the forefront of automotive analytics at the Formula 1 team Mercedes, brought a wealth of experience to Old Trafford. However, his entry into professional football was uncharted territory.
Data-Driven Success and Improved Signings
Under Sansoni’s leadership, Manchester United have achieved remarkable progress in their data capabilities. The club is now among the top four teams in England for statistical analysis, a dramatic turnaround from its previous standing. This success can be attributed to the rigorous use of data in performance, recruitment, and training.
Summer Signings Reflect Data Analysis
The summer transfer window saw Manchester United make significant investments, spending over £200 million on new players such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens. According to internal sources, these signings reflect a clear upward trend in decision-making processes, with data playing a pivotal role.
Conclusion
The transformation of Manchester United’s data department under INEOS represents more than just a modernization effort; it signifies a fundamental shift towards a future where analytics and data-driven strategies are central to success. As the club continues its journey into a new era, the impact of this strategic move is likely to resonate throughout English football.
