Ratcliffe revolution: Man Utd eye the man who made Palmer & Foden

Tom Weber

• Updated: 16 Feb 2024 21:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are eyeing Jason Wilcox, who has a spectacular track record when it comes to unearthing and developing talent.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Man Utd revolution is in full swing. Even before his acquisition of a 25 per cent stake was officially approved by the Premier League on Tuesday, the Red Devils' CEO Richard Arnold was axed and replaced by Man City's Omar Berrada.

The Berrada appointment, poaching a highly-rated club chief directly from a rival, was the first major statement of intent from Ratcliffe and INEOS. The second is on the verge of following in tow, with the hire of Dan Ashworth seemingly only a matter of time.

Ashworth is to become the club's new sporting director, swapping Newcastle for Manchester in a deal that will see the latter shell out a hefty compensation to get him. A Head of Recruitment, who will report to Ashworth, will also be brought in and the man currently considered the favourite for the role would be another shrewd appointment.

Wilcox's impressive CV

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Man Utd have identified Southampton Director of Football Jason Wilcox as their next reinforcement for the front office.

A Premier League winner with Blackburn in the 90s, the former winger has an equally illustrious post-playing career CV, having worked as an academy coach and later director at Man City.

During his stewardship, City's prolific youth setup fostered the likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb. The 52-year-old played a crucial role in establishing the Cityzens' academy as one of the best in England and expertly utilised his connections to rebuild Southampton's squad after relegation.

Ornstein reports that Man Utd are yet to make a formal approach for the Saints man, but that Wilcox is aware of the interest and that the Red Devils are 'working on a deal.'