Manchester United’s academy recruitment and talent development have become a hot topic during INEOS’ reign.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier on in the season admitted:
“The academy has really slipped at Manchester United. You need the academy to be producing talent all the time. It helps you financially. That’s not a light switch. You don’t solve the academy problem overnight. It takes time. We just recruited a new academy director.”
Those remarks made clear that United’s decision-makers are determined to restore the academy to its former glory. To achieve that, the Red Devils must bring the right people on board.
According to the Daily Mail, the club has been actively seeking a new head of academy recruitment.
Not long ago, it appeared they had found the ideal candidate, with Newcastle United’s Paul Midgley expected to take the role.
Midgley, who previously worked alongside United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox during their Manchester City days, held talks about becoming United’s academy recruitment chief and was widely tipped to sign.
However, the Daily Mail reports:
“Paul Midgley has turned down their offer and will be staying on Tyneside. Midgley has told staff inside St James’ Park that he will remain as head of youth recruitment, meaning Manchester United must pick up their extensive search, which had involved 10 serious candidates before Midgley emerged as the frontrunner following a series of interviews.”
Had he accepted, the 38-year-old would have replaced Luke Fedorenko, who is currently on gardening leave ahead of a move into agency work.
United must now return to the drawing board in their hunt for a suitable academy recruitment chief.
While the academy search continues, the 20-time English champions are also working to restructure their first-team technical bench.
Following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday, INEOS have begun the process of appointing his successor.
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, dubbed “Klopp 2.0” for his intensity and tactical acumen, has been strongly tipped as the next permanent United head coach.
Yet until Glasner can be appointed after he leaves Selhurst Park in the summer, United supporters may see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer return as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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