Manchester United has made a strategic move by making a formal approach to Southampton for director of football Jason Wilcox, according to a source from ESPN. Wilcox is being considered as the top candidate to fill the role of technical director in the club’s recent recruitment shake-up. This initiative is spearheaded by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. However, despite the formal offer of compensation made by the club to Wilcox, terms have not yet been finalized with Southampton.
The approach from Manchester United comes at a sensitive time for Southampton, as they are currently striving to secure promotion back to the Premier League. According to a source, the Championship side is not pleased with the timing of the approach. In the aftermath of Southampton’s 3-2 defeat to Ipswich, manager Russell Martin expressed his need for some time to reflect on the situation before discussing the matter further. While Martin has acknowledged Wilcox’s achievements, the exact details of the potential move are yet to be confirmed.
Manchester United’s goal is to have Jason Wilcox in place before the upcoming summer transfer window. The club’s attempt to appoint Dan Ashworth as director of football has hit a roadblock due to Newcastle United’s unwillingness to lower their demands. Ashworth, currently serving a gardening leave, remains a disputed figure in the negotiation process. United aims to prevent a similar scenario with Wilcox and is optimistic about finding common ground with both Newcastle and Southampton. Wilcox’s prior connection with United’s incoming CEO, Omar Berrada, from their time at Manchester City adds another layer of significance to this potential move.
Jason Wilcox, at the age of 53, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having previously overseen the academy at Manchester City, Wilcox transitioned to Southampton in 2023. As a former player, Wilcox was part of Blackburn’s iconic Premier League title-winning team in 1995. He also represented England on an international level, earning three caps between 1996 and 2000.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Jason Wilcox signifies a strategic and calculated move in their quest for reorganization and success. The sensitive timing of the approach, coupled with negotiations with other clubs, highlights the complexity of such a significant personnel change. Wilcox’s background and experience make him a valuable asset to any organization, further underscoring the importance of this potential recruitment for United’s future endeavors.