Manchester United are pushing ahead with a move to hire Jason Wilcox as the club’s rebuild continues to take shape.
Since appointing Omar Berrada as chief executive in January, who starts in the summer, Ineos have encountered a few obstacles in terms of adding layers of expertise to Manchester United‘s structure.
United still aim to hire Dan Ashworth as director of football. This is still set to go ahead, but per The Mail, a deal is unlikely to be done by the summer.
One man United intend to hire in addition to Ashworth, and beforehand, is Jason Wilcox, current Southampton director of football.
Last night Fabrizio Romano reported Ashworth has resigned at Southampton, intending to force through his move to Manchester United. The finer details are still being sorted out.
Jason Wilcox can bring expertise to Manchester United
Since his playing days as a winger in the Premier League, Jason Wilcox has forged a reputation as a bright mind behind the scenes in the top flight.
Wilcox worked with Omar Berrada at Manchester City, where he had a key role in their academy, before taking his role at Southampton.
He would take on a role which would ultimately fall under Ashworth, and can also provide a vital bridge until he arrives, whenever that might happen.
Wilcox would have a role as part of a transfer committee, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Ineos focused on helping the club operate more effectively in the upcoming windows.
Manchester United fans tip Wilcox to bring Tosin Adarabioyo to Old Trafford
One player who has been linked to Manchester United this summer on a free transfer is Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who is set to become a free agent.
HITC reported a fortnight ago that United are keeping tabs on Adarabioyo’s situation, with the young centre-back establishing himself for Marco Silva’s side.
Still only 26, Adarabioyo has also subsequently been linked to United via Football Transfers. Centre-back is a position where the Red Devils need to strengthen, and more than one signing will be required, with Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane all potentially departing.
Wilcox managed Adarabioyo at academy level and appointed him captain of City’s under-18s side. There is a connection there, which could intensify United’s interest in him, and tempt the defender to sign at Old Trafford.
This is something which was a discussion point among United fans on X, with several tipping the former City prospect to be Wilcox’s first signing.
One supporter wrote: “Just clocked that Tosin Adarabioyo played for and captained the City youth sides when Wilcox coached and oversaw the team.”
Another added: “Tosin Adarabioyo captained the City youth side under Wilcox. Looks like it’s meant to be.”
This was backed with another fan predicting: “Adarabioyo on a free is looking nailed on to happen. Wilcox worked with him in the City academy.”
A fourth fan added: “Tosin Adarabioyo captained the City youth side that Wilcox was in charge of. Signing on a free this summer?”
Another fan echoed these thoughts: “Tosin Adarabioyo played for and captained the City youth sides that Wilcox coached and oversaw, that’s our first summer signing done then.”
These predictions are certainly getting a little bit ahead of themselves, with Wilcox’s role at Manchester United yet to be announced. Once it is, let’s keep an eye on whether the Adarabioyo links pick up and materialise into a shrewd free agent addition.