Manchester United appoint Jason Wilcox as new technical director after securing his exit from Southampton and will start new role with immediate effect

Jason Wilcox has been appointed as Manchester United’s technical director after the club agreed compensation with Southampton.

The 53-year-old will start work immediately and is due in at Carrington on Monday. He is will report directly to new sporting director Dan Ashworth who is expected to be appointed in due course.

United’s current technical director, Darren Fletcher, will continue to play a key role in the football leadership team working across the men’s first team and academy,.

A club statement read: ‘Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as Technical Director with immediate effect. He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.

‘Jason was previously director of football at Southampton and before that academy director at Manchester City. As a player he won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.’

Wilcox's now-former employer Southampton have also confirmed his arrival at United, with the Championship club stating they have 'reluctantly agreed' to let him leave.

The club also announced they have negotiated a compensation fee with the 13-time Premier League champions who are continuing to overhaul their sporting department.

'Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has reluctantly agreed to allow Director of Football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, having reached an agreement with the Premier League side on an acceptable compensation fee,' said Southampton. 

'Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason’s stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future. 

'The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forwards,' the club added.

Wilcox's arrival follows the recruitment of Omar Berrada who was the first major backroom addition after his exit from Manchester City.

Berrada has signed a deal to become United's new CEO and is expected to start work in the new role in the summer. 

More to follow.