Manchester United has announced the appointment of Jason Wilcox as their new Technical Director, following a compensation deal with Southampton. Wilcox, a former Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United player, will commence his role immediately and is set to start at United's Carrington training ground on Monday.
United stated in a release that Wilcox will oversee all technical aspects of the football department to ensure top-notch performance standards. Wilcox brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Director of Football at Southampton and Academy Director at Manchester City, where he played a pivotal role in player development.
Current Technical Director Darren Fletcher is expected to remain at United in a new capacity, working with both the first team and the academy. United had been in discussions with Southampton for Wilcox's services since the beginning of the month, culminating in an agreement for his transfer.
Southampton expressed regret at Wilcox's departure after just nine months but wished him success in his future endeavors. Wilcox's recruitment is part of United's broader restructuring of their sporting department, driven by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, who recently became minority stakeholders in the club.
Wilcox will report to United's new Sporting Director Dan Ashworth, who is currently finalizing his release from Newcastle United. Wilcox's track record as a talent developer was honed during his tenure at Manchester City, where he played a key role in nurturing players like Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer.
Prior to his administrative roles, Wilcox enjoyed a successful playing career, notably winning the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. His experience as a player and administrator positions him well to contribute to United's future success.
