In this episode of Strain on the Game, Stephen Warnock and Adrian Lamb sit down with Dr Steve McNally former Head of Football Medicine & Science at Manchester United for 16 years, and now Performance Support Director at PGMOL.

From working with Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo, and Rooney at Old Trafford, to leading the medical and sports science team behind five Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup, Dr McNally shares rare insights into life inside one of the world’s biggest clubs.

We talk about:
What it takes to keep elite players fit and performing at the highest level
The untold medical and recovery strategies behind football’s biggest names
His new role supporting referees in the modern game
Lessons anyone can apply to health, fitness, and performance

Whether you’re a football fan, a coach, or someone curious about the science of elite performance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What does the perfect match day really look like for a Premier League player – and how close is the reality? From the first meal of the morning to the final recovery session after the whistle, every detail is designed to keep players performing at their peak. In this episode of Strain on the Game, Stephen and Adrian break down the routines, rituals, and recovery strategies that shape a player’s day. From sleep, nutrition, and pre-match prep, to post-game ice baths and winding down, we uncover the small details that can make a huge difference when it matters most.

It’s been called everything from a “money grab” to a “pointless pre-season disruption,” but with a prize pot of over £1 billion on the table, is the Club World Cup really such a bad idea? Stephen Warnock and Adrian Lamb break down the real impact — from fixture congestion and player burnout to the lure of global exposure and financial rewards. We dig into whether the tournament is worth the strain it puts on already overloaded players, and what it means for the future of football at the very top level.