Man United eye Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox | OneFootball

Manchester United are targeting Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox. According to The Athletic, United want to make him a key figure in their ongoing restructuring of the club’s footballing operations.

United have not formally approached the Saints, but the 52-year-old is reportedly aware of United’s interest.

Wilcox is highly regarded at Old Trafford, where he would likely report to a newly appointed sporting director.

United want Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth to fill the role of sporting director. He is the leading candidate for that position.

United will wait on Ashworth. They want to avoid paying a hefty compensation fee to the Toons. The Red Devils could potentially bring in Wilcox sooner.

Wilcox has an impressive track record. He oversaw the development of talents like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer during his time as Manchester City’s academy director.

Wilcox’s potential move aligns with United’s broader shift under new ownership.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS recently secured Premier League approval for a 25% stake in the club, bringing figures like CEO Jean-Claude Blanc and Director of Sport Sir David Brailsford into the boardroom, alongside new Chief Executive Omar Berrada.

INEOS are the driving force behind the Wilcox interest. They want to be proactive before the deal officially closes.

Ashworth is still the top target for the sporting director job. The signing of Wilcox is another big step in United’s rebuild.

His experience and proven track record in player development could be invaluable as the club seeks to restore its former glory.

His signing also aligns with INEOS’ vision of signing young and homegrown players to bolster their ranks.

The new direction is already evident in their transfer targets, with the Red Devils seriously linked with starlets like Michael Olise and Jarrad Branthwaite.