Sources: Darren Fletcher’s role clarified after Man United’s appointment of Jason Wilcox

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox from Southampton to become the club’s new technical director.

Wilcox, 53, will join the club with immediate effect after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team reached an agreement with the Championship club over a compensation fee.

An initial offer, believed to be around the amount of Wilcox’s yearly salary at Southampton, was rejected. However, it was believed that an agreement would be reached soon afterwards.

“Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect,” a club statement read.

“He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.”

Read More: Southampton’s full statement on Jason Wilcox departure, clearly not happy

The former Manchester City academy chief has taken over Darren Fletcher’s current title as technical director, which has created some speculation over the future of the former United midfielder.

Read More: A complete guide of what Jason Wilcox will bring to Manchester United

UtdDistrict understands that Fletcher will continue to play a key role in the football leadership team at Old Trafford, and whilst his new job title has not been confirmed, the 40-year-old will be working across the men’s first team and Academy base.

Fletcher returned to Old Trafford in 2020 as an academy coach. He was soon promoted to be one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team coaches before he became the club’s first technical director in March 2021.

“Very good advising younger players adjusting to first-team rigours,” detailed journalist Carl Anka when describing Fletcher’s strengths. “Generous with his time and imparting the soft skills you learn at 26-28 that you wish you knew at 21.”

Meanwhile, sources have told UtdDistrict that Wilcox will report to the sporting director, who will have overall responsibility for football performance, recruitment and operations at the club.

The Reds are in negotiations with Newcastle United over the composition fee for Dan Ashworth to take that role at Old Trafford.