Manchester United have reportedly been handed another setback behind the scenes, with a 'hugely popular' member of staff quitting to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe in another sport.
The Red Devils have overseen several high-profile exits since the start of the season. Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties at the end of October, with sporting director Dan Ashworth following him out of Old Trafford earlier this month.
Now, it has been revealed that another key member of staff has left United on his own accord, rather than being sacked or forced out.
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According to Mail+, head chef Omar Meziane has decided to take up a new role in Formula One with McLaren. As one of the top teams, they are direct rivals with Mercedes who have been part-owned by INEOS since 2020.
Meziane, who has previously worked for the England football and cricket teams, was mainly based at Carrington where he was 'hugely popular' with players.
He was credited with introducing a greater degree of variety to the menu as well as developing tailored nutrition plans for players. On trips abroad and pre-season tours, he would embrace the local cuisine to give the squad a taste of the culture.
Meziane would travel with the squad to every away game, usually going a day in advance to ensure the food at the team hotel was up to scratch. His exit leaves United needing to appoint a new head chef, one of many jobs on their growing to-do list.
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At least one more significant departure looks inevitable, with Marcus Rashford widely expected to leave Old Trafford next month. He recently admitted to wanting a move elsewhere to take up a 'new challenge' at a different club.
It has been reported that United would be happy to let him leave, either in January or at the end of the season. Ruben Amorim, however, has repeatedly stated that he wants Rashford to stay because his qualities are needed by the team.
Earlier this week, the United boss said: "As a coach, I am just focused on the performance, the way he trains. And the rest, I think it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.
"At the moment, I am just focused on improving Marcus. We need a lot in this moment the talented guys like Marcus and I forget for now the interview. I just see what I see on the pitch."
