- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC Football understands that Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox is in line for a senior role at Manchester United.
It is believed that the 52-year-old has informed Southampton of the situation, as Manchester United continue to re-shape their boardroom after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Jason Wilcox only joined Southampton in January 2023 after helping establish Manchester City’s academy as one of the best in Europe.
Now, sources have confirmed that the Englishman has emerged as a key target for Manchester United – who want him to work with their new sporting director, who – as HITC confirmed – they believe will be Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth.
Like with Newcastle, the promotion-chasing Championship side have not yet been officially approached.
Russell Martin’s reaction to Jason Wilcox’s future
After relegation to England’s second-tier last season, the Saints needed picking up, with the powers that be at St Mary’s appointing the exciting Russell Martin as their new head coach from Swansea City.
After a slow start, the former defender now has Southampton pushing for automatic promotion, with the team only suffering their first defeat since September on Tuesday night against Bristol City.
Ahead of Friday night’s game at West Brom, Russell Martin spoke about Jason Wilcox’s situation in his pre-match presser:
“I hope it’s people putting two and two together and coming up with five. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jason and it’s no surprise someone would be interested in working with him.
“He’s so open and honest. I hope he would have a chat with us first [if an offer is made]. I have nothing but good things to say about him.”
Omar Berrada’s recommendation
HITC also understands that new Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada recommended that Sir Dave Brailsford consider bringing Wilcox into their new footballing department and they have acted on this.
The Champions League-chasing side hope to have Ashworth and Wilcox’s appointments confirmed in the next month – although neither are likely to officially start their roles until the summer.
Both men have strong CVs to their name, so these forthcoming changes, added to the uprise in form on the pitch, will only bring further positivity around Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag himself will be hoping to top it off by securing a top-four finish at the end of the season, with his team only six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur after they beat fifth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.
There is a chance that the fifth spot opens up for Champions League football, with Man United fans keen for their club to enter that door and remain in Europe’s elite competition.
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