Sir Jim Ratcliffe cited a "body language consultant on £175,000 a year" as an example of Manchester United's excess when he justified his cost-cutting regime earlier this year. The identity of that consultant can now be revealed by The Athletic to be Kirsten Heukels. The reality is Heukels’ remarkable work goes beyond that of a “body language consultant” — and her impact at United was felt during their FA Cup triumph in 2023-24, which generated the club millions of pounds in revenues as the win earned them a spot in this season’s Europa League, where they eventually reached the final. After discovering Heukels’ identity, The Athletic travelled to Rotterdam to discuss her work, how she prepared the team for spot-kick success on the way to winning the FA Cup and what she made of Ratcliffe’s comments. 🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6380839/?source=whatsappmu