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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Giuseppe Muro

Former Chelsea man lands key Manchester United transfer role

Christopher Vivell has been appointed as director of recruitment at Manchester United on a full-time basis - (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Manchester United have appointed former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell as their director of recruitment on a full-time basis.

Vivell has reportedly signed a multi-year contract at Old Trafford following an interim spell in the position.

The Athletic report that the 38-year-old German has been given a key role in the INEOS-led rebuild of United.

He joined United on a short-term basis as their interim director of recruitment last summer, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes sweeping changes behind the scenes.

Vivell reports into technical director Jason Wilcox, who has taken on greater responsibility since the sudden exit of sporting director Dan Ashworth in December.

He will lead United’s global recruitment operation, scouting structure and emerging talent.

Vivell left Chelsea in 2023 following just seven months in his role.

Before joining Chelsea, he spent a number of years working within the Red Bull football franchise at Salzburg and Leipzig.

Vivell has had an influence on signings so far at United including Sekou Kone. The Athletic report he “will have to find players capable of performing for United while sticking to tight budgetary constraints”.

Ratcliffe is said to believes the work United do in the transfer market is crucial area to improving finances.

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