Man Utd lose Ferguson's trusted club doctor after 16 years as shake-up continues

Manchester United doctor Steve McNally is leaving the club after 16 years.

McNally is taking up a new role at PGMOL, the body responsible for match officials in English professional football.

He will leave his position as Head of Football Medicine & Science at the end of January, to become Performance Support Director for PGMOL.

McNally joined United in 2006 and worked with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for seven seasons, during which the club won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and five Premier League titles.

Following Sir Alex's retirement, McNally stayed on to work with five further permanent United managers, including current boss Erik ten Hag.

McNally said: "Leaving Manchester United after 16 years was a very difficult decision but I feel the time is right to step away from frontline provision at club level and utilise my experience in a new strategic role that will allow me to contribute to another vital aspect of the game.

"Alongside the directors, managers, players, coaches and colleagues from all departments past and present, I am proud to have been a small part of Manchester United's recent history and thank them all wholeheartedly for their friendship, camaraderie and support.

"I will miss the United family but until I take up my new post, I remain fully focused on helping all our teams build on the first half of this season, in particular Erik and his staff in preparation for the resumption after the World Cup."

United Football Director John Murtough said: "Steve's contribution over the past 16 years has been immense and I'd like to thank him, on behalf of everyone at Manchester United, for everything he has done on and off the pitch for our players, colleagues and the wider club.

"Steve was recently presented with the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance at the North-West Football Awards, which shows how highly he is regarded across the football community."

McNally will be replaced on an interim basis by Dr Jim Moxon, who recently worked for Liverpool, while the club searches for a permanent successor.

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