Manchester United Football Club has announced a renewed multi-year agreement with Canon Medical Systems Europe as its official medical systems partner.
The partnership aims to ensure that world-class players continue to gain instant access to advanced imaging equipment to examine injuries and undertake pre-emptive screening for preventable injuries, improving player welfare and maintaining career longevity at an elite level. According to Canon Medical Systems Europe, the collaboration will also continue to push the boundaries of medical research and through translational methods, benefit patient populations and healthcare professionals internationally.
The agreement between the two organisations was first signed six years ago and imaging modalities including CT, MRI and Ultrasound were installed into a dedicated Medical Centre at Manchester United’s Aon Training Complex. The renewed contract will continue the diagnostic imaging partnership benefitting players and staff at Manchester United Football Club, clinical communities operating in sports medicine and ultimately patients in the wider world.
Studies seeking the answers to prevent clinical conditions, improve diagnosis or enhance treatment in the areas of cardiology, musculoskeletal (MSK) and sports medicine are regularly undertaken at the Aon Training Complex. Research initiatives conducted throughout the partnership have been presented at high-level European Cardiology conferences, all of which have been very well received. This includes ‘Musculoskeletal MRI in Football Medicine’ and ‘Exercise Myocardial Performance in Adolescent Athletes’ research to extend knowledge and understanding in the fields of sports medicine.
Richard Arnold, group managing director at Manchester United, said: “We are delighted to extend what has been an excellent partnership with Canon Medical Systems over the past six years. At Manchester United, just like at Canon Medical Systems, we pride ourselves on innovation. Our world-class medical team at Manchester United, partnered with the world-class team at Canon has helped us provide our players with the best possible medical care. The feedback from the medical team has been excellent and it is clear that the partnership is making a real difference to player health and career longevity.”
Dr Steve McNally, head of Sports Medicine and Science at Manchester United, added: “During the past six years, our partnership has redefined the standard for medical imaging in elite sport. Daily access to state-of-the-art equipment and intelligent technologies has improved responsiveness to clinical presentations. Most importantly, we have developed a concept of ‘performance imaging’ over and above clinical diagnostics.
“By utilising innovative techniques borne out of shared ideas and experiences from Canon Medical’s wider network of experts, we can now profile and monitor our players in ways we have never done before. This not only enhances athlete health and safety but also provides invaluable information to guide the athletic development process. As part of the partnership, we have also shared data that will assist in improving health services for the general public.”
Mark Holmshaw, president and CEO at Canon Medical Systems Europe, said: “As we continue to develop our medical system partnership with Manchester United Football Club, we do so with enhanced vigour and innovation strengths following our transition from Toshiba Medical Systems to Canon Medical Systems earlier this year. As part of the Canon Group, we are seeing direct results of our collaboration, taking imaging technologies to the next level. Besides this, we can draw on the 100-year medical system pedigree and presence in over 140 countries to ensure access to the latest product and solutions from our research and development teams.
"Medical technology powers confident diagnoses, speeds up treatment planning and ensures a faster return to the field of play. It is at the heart of modern healthcare, improving outcomes for everyone, whether that is in sports performance, or wider clinical practice.”
