Manchester United confirm Jason Wilcox arrival at Old Trafford

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as their new technical director.

There has been a host of speculation surrounding Wilcox's future in recent weeks, with Man United identifying him as their leading target for the technical director role at Old Trafford.

Southampton confirmed on Friday that they had "reluctantly agreed" to allow director of football Wilcox to make the move to the 20-time English champions after an "acceptable compensation fee" was agreed.

"Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason's stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future," Southampton said in a statement.

"The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forwards."

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Wilcox as our new Technical Director.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 19, 2024

The 53-year-old's arrival at Man United has now been officially confirmed by the Red Devils.

"Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect," read a statement from the Premier League giants.

"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 was appointed Manchester City's Under-18s manager in 2013 before being promoted to head of academy and then academy director in 2017.

© Reuters

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning further changes at Man United

The ex-Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, Leicester City, Blackpool and England winger left Man City for Southampton last year, but he is now moving on to Man United.

Omar Berrada's arrival from Man City as the club's new chief executive has also been confirmed, while the Red Devils want to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as their new sporting director.

Man United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning further changes following his recent arrival at the club, and it is also expected to be a busy transfer window this summer.

The Red Devils are unlikely to qualify for next season's Champions League, but they can still win silverware this term, with the team preparing to face Coventry City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.