Under Ineos ownership, Manchester United have overhauled their data department to improve their transfer business.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has demanded improvements to several departments around Old Trafford, and the British billionaire was reportedly shocked at the lack of data usage compared to other modern sporting institutions.
Michael Sansoni was hired from Ineos-owned Mercedes F1 team to lead the data department overhaul at Old Trafford.
Just over a year after Sansoni’s arrival, United’s data department is top tier among Premier League clubs, and it is now being used to drive the recruitment this summer, including transfer target Mateus Fernandes.
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Man Utd’s data department on Mateus Fernandes
There is no hiding from the fact that United’s top target was Elliot Anderson heading into the summer, and that decision was backed up through data analysis.
But City have made two bids for Anderson and United are distancing themselves. If Anderson is unavailable, then Fernandes is the next best thing.
According to Manchester Evening News, United’s data department, led by Sansoni, have decided that Fernandes is a good second choice to Anderson.
Fernandes won more tackles than Anderson and made more accurate switches of play. He wasn’t far behind Anderson on ground duels won, possessions won, and possessions won in the defensive third.
United want a well-rounded, mobile midfielder and Fernandes is ticking all the boxes.
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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are advancing in talks for Fernandes and are looking to restructure a deal with West Ham.
West Ham want £85m for Fernandes, but United do not want to pay such a high fee for a relegated player.
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United are set to beat Arsenal to Fernandes, while Real Madrid’s interest has died down despite Jose Mourinho’s appointment.
A formal bid for Fernandes is expected soon, and with the 21-year-old not in the Portugal World Cup squad, a deal could be done sooner rather than later.
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