Manchester United have reportedly found a replacement for axed sporting director Dan Ashworth as part of major changes at boardroom level.
United worked hard to prise Ashworth from Newcastle in the summer and eventually agreed a compensation package in the region of £2-3million to allow the sporting director to begin working at Old Trafford. However, five months later, it was announced that he and the club had agreed to part ways.
After purchasing a minority stake in United last February, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group gained control over football operations. Last year, Omar Berrada was appointed CEO, Jason Wilcox arrived as technical director from Southampton, and new interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell reported to Ashworth.
The many moving pieces at boardroom level led Ashworth to leave in December, presenting the club with an important role to fill. However, rather than seeking to hire another new face, United are convinced they already have the right person to take over from Ashworth.
The Daily Mail has reported that a boardroom reshuffle will see Wilcox’s influence increase and take on different responsibilities. United are believed to have talked about the possibility of appointing a new sporting director, but Berrada is expected to place his trust in Wilcox having been given the green light for a major shake-up by Ratcliffe.
Wilcox, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in his playing days, is expected to retain his title of technical director. His new remit means that he will work closely with Berrada and Ineos chief Sir Dave Brailsford as part of a three-person leadership group.
The 53-year-old became academy director at Manchester City in 2017 and held that position until joining Southampton as director of football in early 2023. United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche will reportedly take over operations and logistics at the club’s Carrington training ground, helping Wilcox to focus on his new remit. Meanwhile, Vivell will continue to provide insight on the recruitment side and is in talks over making his role permanent.
Vivell was named Chelsea’s technical director in July 2023, but his role quickly changed due to the ownership’s new structure. He left Chelsea after just seven months in west London, having previously enjoyed success as a recruitment chief within the Red Bull network, where he was mentored by former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Following a period of gardening leave, Vivell joined United on a temporary basis in July. Arguably his biggest success from his time at Red Bull was signing Erling Haaland for Salzburg from Molde in 2019.
The 38-year-old’s role at United involves searching for players who could fit into the first-team squad and the club’s development plans. He has a reputation for identifying promising young players and is said to have been key in United signing 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone for just over £1m in the summer.
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