Manchester United are in negotiations for a new director as they look to continue the reshaping of the club behind the scenes, and it’s someone that has come at the request of the manager, Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United have completely reshaped the backroom staff at the club since INEOS took over the club, and it seems they are far from done with the reshuffle. They were dealt a blow recently with Nick Cox leaving the Academy Director role for Everton, but there is confidence the club will get the new appointment to replace him correct.
INEOS have made mistakes since they joined the club, with Dan Ashworth’s departure one that is hard to ignore. Ashworth was courted by United, who waited to pry him away from Newcastle, only to sack him after a few months.
Despite this error, the new partial owners have made some good appointments that have the club in a much better place. Christopher Vivell has been a stroke of genius since he entered the club, and the capture of Jason Wilcox is proving to be more astute with every moment that passes.
The club are looking to add more firepower to the level of director they have upstairs, and they could bring in a huge coup in the coming weeks at the request of Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United eye Acacio Valentim
Manchester United reportedly have an eye on Acacio Valentim, with Ruben Amorim urging the club to get the director in before the start of the new season. The report comes from the reliable publication Record in Portugal, which believes the side from England are already in negotiations for the former SC Braga director.
There is a belief within the report that Valentim may indeed join United in the coming weeks. The parties are in discussions, with beliefs that a deal could be struck currently positive.
Valentim was a Team Operations Director at SC Braga, Amorim’s former club, and is extremely highly rated within Portuguese football. The Portuguese director previously worked at the rival club of the United coaches beloved Sporting CP.
United are yet to appoint a true Director of Football after the departure of Dan Ashworth, but there is a belief Christopher Vivell will eventually step into that role in the future. It’s felt Valentim will step into a similar role to the one he had at Porto, Braga and Shanghai SIPG FC.
Valentim a welcome addition
Manchester United would be intelligent to go for someone like Valentim, as they need to be best in class at the club if they are to transform back into the superpower they were. Relationships are important for Amorim, as shown by his friendship with former Sporting CP director Hugo Viana.
If Amorim is asking for Valentim, United must support the coach and get in someone he feels entirely confident working with.
The former Porto man has proven his worth in Portugal and China, and he can be a huge asset to the side from Old Trafford. He has experience handling media and certain aspects of training, which will be huge for a club looking to instill a positive environment.
Reports are suggesting Valentim is very likely to join the club, and for all the stick INEOS have taken, decisions like Vivell, Wilcox and now Valentim should fill a lot of United fans with confidence.
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