Man Utd confirm major backroom appointment as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans take shape

Manchester United have announced the appointment of Jason Wilcox as the club’s new technical director.

The move comes after months of speculation regarding the former Leeds United midfielder’s future, with the Red Devils identifying Wilcox as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ‘best in class’ set-up starts to take shape.

In a statement, the club said: “Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as technical director with immediate effect.

“He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.

“Jason was previously director of football at Southampton and before that academy director at Manchester City. As a player he won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.”

Wilcox’s appointment will mean a new role for Darren Fletcher, who was the club’s previous technical director. He will continue to work with United’s first team and academy.

At Old Trafford, Wilcox will answer to the new sporting director when appointed. That will almost certainly be Dan Ashworth, who is currently on gardening leave from his role at Newcastle United as the two clubs try and negotiate a compensation fee.

Wilcox’s appointment is the second of the Ineos era, along with new CEO Omar Berrada. Indeed, the former City chief is believed to have played a major role in Wilcox’s selection given their time working together at the Etihad.

As for Southampton, they expressed their disappointment as the news was announced. In a statement the south-coast club said: “Southampton Football Club can today 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.”