Jason Wilcox has been sent an important reminder about one of his transfer tricks by one of Manchester United’s “really special” players against Leeds.
Manchester United initially appointed Jason Wilcox as the club’s technical director in April 2024 as part of the new-look leadership team under INEOS.
The former Blackburn Rovers player’s influence has grown at Old Trafford and he has since changed role to become United’s director of football following Dan Ashworth’s departure.
Wilcox is leading United’s recruitment alongside Christopher Vivell and he has been influential in many of United’s transfer over the last year.
One of his best deals so far has been the signing of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal for just £1.5 million. The teenager has already broken into Ruben Amorim’s squad and continues to make a case to be in his first eleven.
Heaven stands out vs Leeds
Heaven, 19, was unfortunate to suffer an injury just after he was finding his feet in the team last season but he reminded everyone of his talent against Leeds in United’s pre-season opener.
On Saturday afternoon, the teenager played the second half of the friendly game in Sweden and showcased the calmness and quality in possession expected of him.
But the standout moment for Heaven, who has been described as a “really special talent”, came when he was up against the speedy Dan James on the flank, with the ex-United winger trying to use his pace.
Heaven matched the Welshman stride for stride and used his strength expertly to win the race and ball. Somehow, a soft foul was given for Leeds but the way he dealt with that situation was another huge tick for Heaven.
Similarly to Leny Yoro, who he played alongside for the first time on the weekend, Heaven displays all of the necessary attributes for a wide centre-back in Amorim’s system.
Wilcox reminded about Heaven transfer trick
Wilcox was in Sweden for this game and would have watched Heaven’s performance first-hand and it should be an important reminder for him in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
United are looking for a new striker and midfielder although many of their priority targets in those positions are either unattainable due to their price or preference to move elsewhere.
It is slightly surprising that there have been no real links to unknown players in those positions. Barely any United fans were aware of Heaven when he arrived but he quickly proved he was ready for the first-team.
Wilcox and the recruitment team at Old Trafford should certainly be scouring for a similar kind of deal in midfield or upfront this summer. It might end up being a better decision than spending another £60 million on someone who won’t be a guaranteed success.
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