Manchester United seek solution to injury woes and target Everton defender

Gary O’Driscoll has assessed the Manchester United medical department and, it is understood, initiated enhancements.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (right) speaks to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during a Premier League. Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Jim Ratcliffe has identified ­Manchester United’s dire injury record as a critical area to address, believing this will hugely improve performance after a season when the squad sustained more than 60 injuries.

Ratcliffe and his key lieutenant, Dave Brailsford, are intent on strengthening United in the summer transfer window but are conscious that a squad of quality players is of no use if many are serially unavailable. Erik ten Hag’s selection and ability to have a consistent way of playing were constantly disrupted, with the defence particularly affected.