Manchester United have appointed Ballymena man Andy O'Boyle as the club's inaugural deputy football director.
The Manchester Evening News reports that O'Boyle, 39, has vacated his role as the head of elite performance at the Premier League to support United football director John Murtough, who was in the same role as O'Boyle when he joined the club in 2013.
Northern Irishman O'Boyle spent time coaching in the United academy and has rejoined the club after a 16-year absence.
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O’Boyle said: “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.”
O’Boyle was born in Ballymena and grew up on his family's farm in County Antrim. He went to Liverpool University - alongside Murtough - and also won a football scholarship to Rhode Island in the US.
His first job in football was with the youth teams at Wrexham and he soon progressed to first-team duties at the Welsh club.
O'Boyle was previously Jurgen Klopp's fitness coach at Liverpool and has also had a stint with England Under-21s.
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