Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Jason Wilcox as the club’s new technical director. Wilcox, formerly associated with Southampton, will assume his new role with immediate effect, as part of the ongoing restructuring under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ownership.

The decision to bring Wilcox on board comes after negotiations between Manchester United and Southampton, with the Championship club reluctantly agreeing to his departure. The two parties reached an agreement on an acceptable compensation fee, allowing Wilcox to make the transition to Old Trafford.

In his new position, Wilcox will be responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the football department and working towards achieving the highest standards of performance. Manchester United expressed their confidence in Wilcox’s ability to contribute to the club’s future success.

Jason Wilcox, a former winger, enjoyed a successful playing career that included winning the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. He also represented Leeds United and Blackpool, earning three caps for the England national team before retiring in 2006.

Wilcox’s journey in football administration began at Manchester City, where he worked his way up to the role of academy director over an 11-year period. Last summer, he joined Southampton as their director of football following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Prior to the official announcement, Sky Sports News broke the news that Manchester United had approached Southampton regarding Wilcox’s availability. However, the terms of his release became a point of contention, with Southampton disputing the existence of a relevant clause. The situation caused unrest at Southampton, who are currently striving for promotion.

Manchester United’s new chief executive, Omar Berrada, is familiar with Wilcox from their time together at Manchester City. Berrada envisions Wilcox playing a pivotal role in the club’s recruitment setup, with the ultimate aim of being guided by the sporting director-elect, Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth, currently in talks with Newcastle, is set to join Manchester United pending a compensation agreement. It is anticipated that his official start may be delayed until after the summer transfer window. Additionally, Manchester United is reportedly seeking to appoint someone who will oversee player pathways throughout the INEOS group, which includes clubs like Nice in France and Lausanne in Switzerland.

The recent departure of football director John Murtough has prompted changes in the football leadership team at Old Trafford. However, Darren Fletcher will continue to be involved in a key role, contributing to the football leadership team’s efforts across the men’s first team and academy.

The appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director marks another step in Manchester United’s restructuring process as they strive for continued success both on and off the field.