Three priorities for new Man United scouting chief as appointment looms

Manchester United are on the verge of appointing a new head of senior scouting.

Manchester United are set to appoint Kyle Macaulay as head of senior scouting. It is understood Macaulay has been identified as the right person for the job after a four-month search to fill the vacancy.

Christopher Vivell and Macaulay worked together at Chelsea between 2022 and 2023, the former as technical director and the latter as head of scouting while Graham Potter was at the helm. Macaulay has also worked with Potter at Ostersunds, Swansea City, Brighton and West Ham.

With this being such a key role in United’s recruitment set-up, Macaulay will be expected to hit the ground running when he starts his new job. The January transfer window is on the horizon and plans will already be in the works for next summer’s window.

MEN Sport has taken a look at the three positions in the team that should be on Macaulay’s radar.

New left wing-back

Wing-backs are crucial in Amorim’s system. On the right, United have Amad performing well and while defensively he can improve, he is the kind of outlet Amorim’s system needs.

The left is more of an issue. Patrick Dorgu has potential but he is still raw and his decision-making in the final third leaves a lot to be desired. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui just don’t look comfortable as left wing-backs.

Diego Leon was signed in the summer but he is still raw and getting a feel for European football. Macaulay should be tasked with finding a new left wing-back to strengthen that position.

Further attacking reinforcements

Joshua Zirkzee started on Monday night against Everton but he showed he isn’t the centre-forward the club need. Zirkzee is better as a No.10 and so Benjamin Sesko is the only out-and-out striker at the club.

The Reds had success with the strikerless system when Matheus Cunha led the line, but there needs to be another centre-forward at the club to provide competition for Sesko.

Midfield overhaul

Even if Casemiro stays at Old Trafford beyond this season, a new central midfielder is needed. Kobbie Mainoo’s future at the club is unclear and Manuel Ugarte is still struggling to find his feet after over a year in English football.

Bruno Fernandes needs a partner in the middle and with Casemiro set to turn 34 before the end of the season, United would be wise to sign a new defensive midfielder. Plans for who United will target in the summer will already be being drawn up but Macaulay could still have his say.