Manchester United Promote Jason Wilcox to Director of Football Role

Manchester United have made Jason Wilcox the director of football. This move shows they value his work since he joined last year. Wilcox was the technical director before. He will now have more responsibilities in this important position.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Wilcox became the director of football after doing well since arriving at Old Trafford. He joined United in April 2024 from Southampton, where he was the sporting director. In his former role, he handled many duties of a sporting director after Dan Ashworth left.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Wilcox’s promotion is part of big changes at United. Sir Dave Brailsford might focus more on Ineos’ cycling team instead of football. Wilcox will work with CEO Omar Berrada to manage football operations. He has previous experience as academy director at Manchester City and at Southampton.

United are working to improve after finishing sixth last season, 21 points behind champions Manchester City. With the transfer window open, Wilcox is leading all talks to build a stronger team for the 2025/26 season.

WILCOX’S FOOTBALL BACKGROUND

Wilcox had a long playing career from 1989 to 2006. He was in the Blackburn Rovers team that won the Premier League in 1995. He also played for Leeds United and Leicester City, and earned three caps for England. He retired after a short time at Blackpool.

After retiring, he worked as a co-commentator for BBC Radio Lancashire. He then started coaching at Manchester City in 2012 and became their academy director. In 2023, he joined Southampton as sporting director.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

With the transfer window open, Wilcox must improve Manchester United’s squad. The club is getting ready for their first Premier League game against Newcastle United on August 16. United want to do better than last season’s sixth-place finish. They are 8 points behind Arsenal in fourth and 5 points ahead of Newcastle in seventh.

Promoting Wilcox shows United believe in his plans to grow the club. He is an important part of decision-making at Old Trafford. He should help find and sign new players to help the club compete for trophies in the future.