Manchester United have gained huge advantage for key summer transfer that won't cost a penny
Manchester United have tasked new director Jason Wilcox with guiding “all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.”
The 53-year-old begins his employment at Old Trafford with immediate effect having caught the eye of Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his work at Southampton. He is the latest former Manchester City board member to defect to the other side of the city.
Incoming CEO Omar Berrada is poised to exit the Etihad this summer, having worked with Wilcox during his 11 years with the Blues academy before his switch to the south coast. After helping under-18s to a national title and two FA Youth Cup finals, he had been promoted to City academy director in 2017.
READ MORE: Man United confirm technical director appointment as Sir Jim Ratcliffe rebuild takes shape
READ MORE: Ratcliffe won't ignore the elephant in the room with Zinedine Zidane
He was snapped up by Southampton in January 2023 with the reputation of building one of the most exciting youth systems in England. When he arrived former City graduates Gavin Bazunu, Romeo Lavia, Sam Edozie and Juan Lario had already been at St Mary’s for six months.
He ended up bringing more down to the Saints last summer, purchasing Shea Charles for around £10m and acquiring Taylor Harwood-Bellis on loan, despite stating upon his arrival: “I’ve not come here trying to bring Manchester City down south.”
Trying to do that at United may be a shorter journey for players but a near-impossible task. However, he may have the edge over former City graduates who have moved on.
United are set to search for a centre-back this summer and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been linked. The 26-year-old left City’s youth system in 2020 after
Read on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
