Man Utd Physio leaves football after 26 years to focus on family
Written by
Simon Austin
April 12, 2025
Manchester United Physio David Binningsley is taking a break from football after 26 years in order to “give back to my family.”
Binningsley joined United in July 2018 from Sunderland, where he had worked for 16 years. His first job in football was at Middlesbrough, where he was head Academy Physio from 1999 to 2002.
Writing on LinkedIn, Binningsley said: “After 26 consecutive years in football I have decided that now is the right time to step back and give back to my family.
“Those who have lived it – especially at a club like Manchester United – realise that time is so precious. The games schedule, travelling and training is very tough, often to the detriment of those closest to us.
“I have worked with some incredible players and staff over the years and would like to thank them all sincerely for the experiences they have given me. I feel so humble that I have ‘lived the dream’.
“Looking forward to spending some time with the family and seeing what the future holds.”
A host of United stars, past and present, took to Instagram to post their tributes to the Physio. Harry Maguire wrote: “What a guy. You’ll be missed.”
Tom Heaton, Ella Toone and Scott McTominay also posted their thanks.
Binningsley is not the first practitioner to step down because of the toll that pro football can take on family life. In 2021, another United Physio, Jonny Picot, also stepped down.
He said: “Like many, lockdown made me realise how important it is to prioritise family and lifestyle. So I made the incredibly difficult decision late last year to leave the club of which I have, and will continue to be a lifelong fan of, and am so passionate about, at the end of this season.
“The sacrifices I made had an impact on my social and family life and I have spent very little time at home over the last 10 years. I am lucky I have a very patient and understanding wife who fully supported my career decisions allowing me to follow my dream and work in the environment of professional sport.”
Earlier in the year, Blackburn Head of Performance Chris Rush left his role to move into property development. He said: “After 15 years in professional football, I have decided to resign from my role and end full-time work in football.
“My decision is purely based on wanting to prioritise family life over my professional life. The life of a support staff member in football requires 60+ hour work weeks, 11 months a year, weekends away from the family, and missed life events.
“These are the sacrifices necessary when pursuing high performance. I have lived this life happily for 15 years and have been rewarded with some fantastic experiences and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Last month, United’s Head of Medical, Gary O’Driscoll, left the club after 18 months.
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