Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his latest hire, the former Southampton director of football.
Manchester United’s new backroom crew under Sir Jim Ratcliffe is taking shape, with Jason Wilcox confirmed as the club’s new Technical Director. It has been reported for some time that negotiations were underway with Wilcox’s previous club Southampton, with the two parties discussing a compensation package that would allow Wilcox to begin immediately rather than serving a period of gardening leave.
Despite the Saints’ hesitation, it has been announced that a deal has been made between the two teams, and the 53-year-old will begin in his new post immediately.
Manchester United Announce Jason Wilcox Signing
Wilcox is expected to work as part of Dan Ashworth’s team
The Red Devils said that Wilcox will begin his new duties immediately.
“Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director, effective immediately. He will collaborate with all technical areas of the football department to ensure the best level of performance.
“Previously, Jason was Director of Football at Southampton and Academy Director at Manchester City. He won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.
Wilcox began his post-playing career as head coach of Manchester City’s under-18 team. From there, he advanced through the ranks, becoming head of academy coaching in 2016 and academy manager the next year. He held that position for six years before embarking on his most important responsibility yet: Director of Football at Southampton.
The former Blackburn player is credited with recruiting Russell Martin at St Mary’s, who are presently fourth in the Championship, four points behind the automatic promotion positions.
A large portion of his responsibilities at Old Trafford will concentrate upon an entirely new recruitment department, which will be led by Dan Ashworth, a former Newcastle United sporting director.
Wilcox was recruited by new Manchester United CEO Omer Berrada after working with him during the pair’s time at the noisy neighbours. Berrada made the unexpected shift across the city, having previously served as Chief Football Operations Officer.
These movements are part of the INEOS regime’s comprehensive restructuring, with Richard Arnold and John Murtough among those stripped of their positions in the months since minority ownership was confirmed. It’s unclear if Erik ten Hag will be the next fatality.
Southampton Respond to Jason Wilcox Departure
The Saints were reluctant to let their Director of Football leave
Wilcox’s old club, Southampton, has also issued a statement announcing his departure, expressing their disappointment with the move.
“Southampton Football Club can now disclose that it has reluctantly agreed to enable Director of Football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, after reaching an agreement with the Premier League club on an appropriate compensation price.
“While the club is undoubtedly disappointed that Jason’s time at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him the best for the future. “The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they need going forward.”
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