Manchester United have announced the appointment of Jason Wilcox as the club’s technical director, effective immediately.
Wilcox joins Manchester Untited from Southampton, where he spent almost a year as the director of football after growing his reputation as Manchester City’s academy chief.
Wilcox, who was director of football at St Mary’s, worked with United’s incoming Chief Executive Omar Berrada at City, where he oversaw the emergence of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer.
He will be trusted with overseeing all technical aspects of Manchester United’s footballing operations. He will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to ensure the club maintains the highest standards of performance and competitiveness.
Reds’ Darren Fletcher will continue to play a key role in the leadership team. Darren Fletcher, who was previously technical director, will stay at Old Trafford and play a role across the men’s first team and the academy, with United yet to confirm their former midfielder’s new job title.
Wilcox has an extensive background in football administration and a wealth of experience to make a substantial impact at Old Trafford. He brings a winning mentality and a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in English football because he has tasted success on field with Blackburn Rovers as they won the Premier League title in 1995.
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Southampton said in a statement: “Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has reluctantly agreed to allow Director of Football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, having reached an agreement with the Premier League side on an acceptable compensation fee.
“Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason’s stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future.
“The club will continue to work closely with [manager] Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forwards.”
With Wilcox now on board, United will focus their attention on bringing in Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, even though the Red Devils have found that deal very challenging.
The Magpies have since placed Ashworth on gardening leave but are waiting for a massive compensation package to let him leave. However, United and new owners INEOS are not inclined to stump up a big fee and will keep negotiating.
INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently held talks with Newcastle’s Amanda Staveley to reach an agreement for Ashworth, but the deal is dragging on.
United will be desperate to get the deal done and bring in Ashworth to partner Wilcox and new CEO Omar Berrada as they look to reshape the club with INEOS’ vision.
United have a crucial summer transfer window with managerial decisions looming. They are under pressure to finalise their backroom structure.
The appointment of Wilcox signifies their intent, but they need to get the Ashworth deal over the line to provide a strong leadership team for the upcoming rebuild.
