Why are footballers using private coaches?

Footage of footballers being put through their paces by private coaches has become increasingly common on social media.

Ryan Hopper is one such coach, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and team-mate Diogo Dalot among those he has worked with.

Hopper has also coached long-time United player Marcus Rashford – now on loan at Barcelona – two-time European Championship winner Ella Toone, and a clutch of Championship players.

He is one of dozens of private coaches in the UK who have made a career training elite footballers.

Everton forward Jack Grealish, Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins are three of the other high-profile players to have been coached outside of their club set-up.

But why, when they have access to the best coaching facilities, do players also feel the need to employ people like Hopper?

“At clubs like Manchester United, their sessions are tailored towards getting three points on a Saturday,” he told BBC Sport.

“There are some fantastic coaches and they wouldn’t be at football clubs if they weren’t great at what they do.

“In a group setting, though, there could be five players behind you – and if there’s a little detail you need to work on, then you’re stopping the five other people from getting their repetitions. When it’s private, you can really go into the fine details.

“With me, players might want to work on certain aspects of their game they might not feel comfortable doing in front of club coaching staff and management.”