Man Utd using sweat patches to test hydration

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Simon Stone
  • Role, Chief football news reporter in Los Angeles

Is there anyone out there who thinks the modern day Premier League footballer just goes out to play?

Watching Bournemouth, Arsenal and Manchester United train and play in Los Angeles over the past week or so, the number of backroom staff around has been amazing.

Some information via United explains why.

The club's physical performance team has been assessing each individual player's fuelling and hydration during their pre-season tour.

Fluid loss has been measured using sweat patches. The results are then analysed to help identify the best hydration strategy for each individual player.