Manchester United have made moves to appoint ex-Manchester City coach and academy director Jason Wilcox as their new technical director, following an agreement with Southampton. Wilcox, 53, joins immediately after his role as director of football at Southampton, and will oversee all technical aspects of the football department at Old Trafford. This comes after the departure of football director John Murtough and the reassignment of previous technical director Darren Fletcher. Wilcox brings experience as a player and coach, having won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers and worked in City’s youth setup, helping develop players such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.
Wilcox’s appointment is part of a larger restructuring at Manchester United under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently purchased a stake in the club. Omar Berrarda, who was part of City’s hierarchy alongside Wilcox, is set to become United’s CEO. The club is also in search of a sporting director, with Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth being a top target. Ashworth is keen on the move but is currently on gardening leave until the end of his contract in January 2026. Ratcliffe is optimistic about securing a deal for Ashworth and believes it’s a natural progression in the football industry, despite potential objections.
Ratcliffe expressed confidence in Berrarda’s transition to United, emphasizing the professional handling of his move from City. He contrasted this with the situation of Ashworth, acknowledging the desire to take on new challenges after leaving a club. Ratcliffe’s goal is to revamp United’s leadership team and build a strong foundation for success. The club’s leadership changes reflect a strategic approach to improving performance and achieving higher standards on and off the field. Ratcliffe aims to restore Manchester United to its former glory and believes that key appointments like Wilcox and Berrarda will contribute to this transformation.
As part of the restructuring, Erik ten Hag has taken over coaching responsibilities at Manchester United, facing a challenge due to a growing injury crisis. The seven-player injury list includes captain Harry Maguire, adding to the Dutch coach’s concerns. Ten Hag must navigate these setbacks while implementing his vision for the team and maintaining a competitive edge in the Premier League. The club’s leadership changes, including Wilcox’s arrival, will play a crucial role in supporting Ten Hag and the players as they strive for success on the pitch. Despite the challenges, there is optimism around the direction of the club under its new leadership.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director marks a significant step in the club’s restructuring under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Wilcox brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having worked with top talent in the past. The broader changes in leadership, including the acquisition of key personnel like Omar Berrarda and the pursuit of Dan Ashworth, demonstrate a commitment to building a strong foundation for success. With Erik ten Hag leading the coaching staff amidst injury challenges, the club is poised to navigate obstacles and pursue excellence in the Premier League and beyond. The future looks promising for Manchester United as they aim to bring back the glory days under new leadership.
