Man Utd director target told he'd be "really brave" to turn down role

17 February 2024 , 00:41

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Jason Wilcox (left) is on Man Utd's radar (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Southampton boss Russell Martin said he has received a personal assurance from Jason Wilcox that there is nothing in speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The former Manchester City academy director, who now serves as the Saints' director of football, has reportedly been targeted by the new regime at Old Trafford to be part of their recruitment team. But Martin said he has spoken to Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons and Wilcox himself and been told there has been no movement.

Martin said: “I spoke to Phil Parsons on Tuesday and Jason both yesterday and this morning (Friday) and I’ve been told there’s nothing in it. That’s all I’ve got to say on it. If anything else has happened in the meantime, I’ll have another opinion.

“I’ve said how good he has been for me. The ownership group has, but Jason was a big driver in that. He’s either really brave - or really crazy - and we’ll see, but I’ve loved working with him and I’m enjoying working with him and hopefully that will be for some time yet.”

United are in the process of building their ideal set-up off the pitch following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is the club's minority owner and the leader of their football operations. Already they've landed a chief executive Omar Berrada from Manchester City and are now going after Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth.

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An approach has been made and speculation is rife that Wilcox could be next on their list to help aid Ashworth's efforts, according to the Athletic. The ex-player has helped Southampton recover quickly from their relegation and they are well placed to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Jason Wilcox performed impressively whilst at Man City

Prior to that Wilcox was also part of the youth set-up at City which helped unearth the talent of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Adding more homegrown quality to their starting XI is a priority for Ratcliffe, which will only add to Wilcox's appeal, who worked with Berrada at City.

The new United chief has big plans for the Manchester outfit, who have been starved of success since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. Among his ambitions is to ensure United have a top class stadium and is advocating that the club have a 'Wembley of the North' with their current venue falling behind that of their rivals.

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Neil Moxley