Manchester United have added another member to their backroom staff in the form of Southampton's lead data scientist Alex Kleyn as Erik ten Hag's revolution continues.
It was reported last November that United had started a new process of recruiting data scientists, analysts and engineers as they aim to become elite in that area. Director of data science, Dominic Jordan, spearheaded the approach after he joined the club in October 2021.
Now, according to TGG, United have appointed Kleyn to bolster their data science team following a successful five-and-a-half years at Southampton. Klein moved to the south coast club in September 2017 as a data analyst, before being promoted to lead data scientist less than 18 months later.
Kleyn, who also worked for Norwich, has spent a number of years in his latest role as Southampton continue to develop on and off the pitch despite selling some of their most-prized assets. However, the Saints have seemed to get their recruitment right more often than not.
They are firmly in a relegation battle this season, but have punched above their weight for the last decade since being in the Premier League, having finished as high as sixth one season. Under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton's style was typified by a high-pressing, hard-working approach, and it largely succeeded until a downturn in results just before the Austrian was sacked at the start of the season.
Meanwhile, Kleyn isn't the only highly-regarded member of staff to leave Southampton this month. Data analyst Harriet Eastham has departed to become a consultant after five years at the club.
Writing on LinkedIn, Eastham said: "After five wonderful years at Southampton, I have taken the decision to embark on a new adventure. Can't thank enough those that I worked with for their support and friendship - what a ride it's been!
"It's not a complete goodbye as I'm thrilled to stay on as a Non-Executive Director for the Girls and Women's Programme to ensure the progress continues to ensuring the team lead the charge for being one of the best in the rapidly growing women's game.
"For now though I will be takings some time to relax and recharge, but will be available for freelance data analysis work - with specialism in Sports Science and Medical Data."
As for United, they will be hoping that Klein can add to the club both on and off the pitch in the data department. Ten Hag has managed to give the Red Devils fans something to shout about this season after years of disappointment but they remain a long way off rivals Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's side, however, boast some of the best analysts and data experts on the planet. Highly-rated Ravi Mistry was appointed as head of football insights by City last May as they boosted their data science capability to a whole new level.
