INEOS’ secret reason for Jason Wilcox’s Man United appointment explained

Manchester United are set to appoint Southampton’s Jason Wilcox in the coming weeks as the club’s new technical director as part of INEOS’ restructuring of Old Trafford.

Jason Wilcox, formerly of Manchester City‘s academy set-up and current footballing director at Southampton, will join Manchester United at the behest of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

He will take over Darren Fletcher as the club’s technical director, although the 53-year-old has not yet officially joined Old Trafford.

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Much like Dan Ashworth at Newcastle, Wilcox has been placed on gardening leave. Southampton is demanding a fee for the Englishman, angry at how United have handled the process.

Sources told UtdDistrict earlier this month that United have been respectful and followed the correct processes by making an official approach to Southampton.

It is also understood that they have agreed to pay Southampton the equivalent of a full year of his salary, despite his only being with them for nine months. There is hope for a reasonable and amicable outcome for all parties.

A secret reason

Although United are certainly bringing in Wilcox for his vast experience in the Premier League and across England, there is a second, more secretive reason why his appointment will benefit the club.

According to The Mirror, Wilcox’s arrival at Old Trafford will hand them a huge boost in their pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Wilcox is said to have a close working relationship with Branthwaite’s agent, David Reeves, and the club believes his appointment will secure the instant bonus of helping them attract Branthwaite to Old Trafford.

The report explains that United face competition for Branthwaite, with both Man City and Tottenham Hotspur big admirers of the 12-year-old England international.