United set to complete appointment of former Man City man to key footballing position – report

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Manchester United are reportedly on the brink of finalising the appointment of former Manchester City employee Alan Wright, who will take up a key position in the academy.

United continuing with overhaul of backroom staff

Since taking operational control of United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been reshaping the backroom staff in an effort to equip the club with best-in-class personnel.

While much of the attention has centred on United’s footballing structure, the overhaul extends far beyond that, with departments such as medical and nutrition also subjected to significant changes.

As part of his push to cut operational costs, Ratcliffe oversaw the redundancy of hundreds of staff.

United’s restructuring drive looks set to continue, with a new report suggesting they are on the verge of appointing Wright, who worked at City.

United set to appoint Wright

The Manchester Evening News reveals that United “are in talks” to hire Wright, who will join the coaching set-up in the Professional Development Phase group.

MEN note, “The former Premier League defender spent 10 years coaching City’s U16s before taking a job at a sports agency in February 2024.”

“Wright worked closely with Jason Wilcox, who is now the director of football at Old Trafford, during his time at City, but it’s understood Travis Binnion advised Wright for the role.”

It’s understood that  Wright’s appointment has yet to be finalised but it’s firmly expected to get over the line.

He holds a UEFA A Licence and was instrumental in turning City’s academy into the prolific talent factory it is today.

Wright departed City after 10 years of coaching their U16s to join a sports agency in February 2024.

Meanwhile, United are back in action on Saturday whe they host Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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