Manchester United are reportedly intending to employ a data scientist in the coming weeks in a move which would see them emulating bitter rival Liverpool.
There have been rumours for a number of weeks that United are looking to change things structurally, and they are said to be considering employing a director of football following criticism of their transfer strategy this summer.
A data scientist is somebody they want to study a number of performance indicators - such as medical and recruitment - in order to improve the team.
And according to The Athletic a shortlist of candidates has been whittled down, with an appointment expected by the end of next month.
Ultimately United allegedly wish to establish their own research unit - which is similar to what Liverpool have done with highly-thought of physicist Dr Ian Graham, who has helped the Reds improve their injury prevention record.
The final selection on the data scientist will be made by United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and owner Joel Glazer.
The move has been considered for some time, even pre-pandemic, and although it was thought it would be paused as a result of the coronavirus crisis, United are said to be keen to press on with the recruitment.
United will be desperately hoping the marginal gains that could benefit them as a result of the appointment will help them close the gap on Liverpool on the pitch.
After dominating their enemy for years, the Red Devils have fallen way behind the Reds in recent years, and finished a massive 33 points behind them as Jurgen Klopp's side won the title in the 2019-20 campaign.
They have got off to a mixed start in the current season, and find themselves 15th in the table following Saturday's dull 0-0 draw with Chelsea.
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