Man Utd coach details how stars have benefited from lockdown ahead of return

Daddy day care could help push Manchester United to glory when the season restarts, according to the club’s medical staff.

Those United players with young children could ultimately benefit from the lockdown experience with them and come back more rested to finish off the season.

According to United’s head of physical performance, Richard Hawkins, players who looked after their kids in lockdown are likely to have slept better, because child care is more draining than training.

“Certainly, the ones with younger families, then their sleep might actually be enhanced,” said Hawkins.

“Staying at home all day with the kids, I think, might be a greater exertion than actual training at the training ground.

“So their sleeping habits could well have improved as a result of being at home with the kids all day.”

Hawkins, speaking on United’s official app, outlined the importance of good sleep for a player to be able to produce his best form in training and matches.

“I came to the club in 2008 and not long after that we were buying mattresses for the players,” said Hawkins.

“All the players had bespoke mattresses put in their homes.

“So 12 years ago we were talking about sleep and, along with nutrition, those are the two most important recovery tools we’ve got in our armoury.”

United club doctor Steve McNally said: “In the last 10 years and the last five in particular, the demands, physically and mentally, on players have been massive.

“So sleep and recovery practices of all types have probably been one of the most important aspects of that.”