Man Utd have 'successor' to Ashworth already at Old Trafford to take up role
NewsSaturday, 11 January 2025 at 01:43
Manchester United are reportedly finalizing plans for an in house replacement to fill the sporting director role left vacant by Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth had joined United from Newcastle United in the summer, following a £2-3 million compensation package.
However, his tenure was short-lived, with his exit announced after United’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest.
His arrival was part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul of United’s football operations, following INEOS’s acquisition of a minority stake in the club.
As part of the revamp, Omar Berrada was appointed CEO, Jason Wilcox became technical director, and Christopher Vivell was named interim director of recruitment. Since Ashworth’s departure, speculation has swirled about his replacement.
Wilcox Set to Take on Expanded Role
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United believe they already have the right candidate in-house.
Reports suggest that Jason Wilcox will take on expanded responsibilities as part of a reshuffle within the club’s hierarchy, pending approval from Ratcliffe.
Wilcox’s new role will see him oversee sporting matters in collaboration with Berrada and INEOS chief Sir Dave Brailsford, forming a three-person leadership team.
Wilcox, a former Premier League winner, brings extensive experience, having previously served as Academy Director at Manchester City and Director of Football at Southampton.
New Leadership Structure
The revamped leadership structure will allow Wilcox to focus on his new responsibilities, with Chief Operating Officer Colette Roche overseeing logistics at Carrington.
This reorganization aims to streamline operations and support the football side of the club.
Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly underway to make Christopher Vivell’s interim recruitment role permanent, further solidifying the club’s long-term strategy.
As United continue to reshape their football operations, Wilcox’s promotion signals a commitment to leveraging internal expertise while moving forward with Ratcliffe’s vision for the club.
