Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox made a private trip to Adidas’ headquarters in Germany this week.
Manchester United played Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday night, while Berrada (CEO) and Wilcox (technical director) visited Adidas in Herzogenaurach.
They are expected to take on Dan Ashworth’s responsibilities as sporting director in the short term after his sudden departure on Sunday.
Ineos’ Josh Thompson also attended the Adidas HQ visit.
The meeting, which focused on data analytics, was described as “a general immersion” in their technology.
United’s trip to Herzogenaurach came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s critical comments on the club’s data analysis.
In a recent interview with United We Stand magazine, Ratcliffe said: “Data analysis… doesn’t really exist here.
“We’re still in the last century on data analysis here”.
Data analysis has come a huge part of modern football – an area Clearlake Capital (Todd Boehly & Eghbali) placed a huge emphasis on during the start of their tenure at Chelsea.
Data-led recruitment is seen as an essential for recruitment departments, in targeting the right profile of players suited to the playing style of the squad.
While there was speculation about a data deal with Adidas, it is understood that Adidas will not help the club identify transfer targets.
United’s visit to Adidas headquarters was seen as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Adidas and United, amidst concerns over the years it was beginning to become stale.
Adidas are United’s biggest commercial partner, with their current kit deal worth €1 billion over 10 years.
United’s visit to Adidas headquarters was intended to be kept secret, so it comes as little surprise.
Berrada and Wilcox visited Adidas headquarters during their trip to the region.
The Adidas HQ is located about 120 miles from where United played Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic.
During their two-day visit, discussions included sport science, kits, and equipment.
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