Man Utd are set to be busy during this summer’s transfer window and there are several key people involved in how business is done.
Michael Carrick still has a say in Manchester United’s recruitment, which is led by director of football Jason Wilcox
Manchester United have overhauled their approach to recruitment since Ineos took control of football operations in July 2024 and they now have a structure in place to attempt to match the success they achieved last summer during this transfer window.
While chief executive Omar Berrada will have some involvement as a hands-on, football-focused exec, and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be keeping an eye on the budget, United’s recruitment has become more holistic in recent years, moving away from a strategy dictated by a manager.
The key figure is director of football Jason Wilcox, who often leads negotiations with agents and helps to sell the project at Old Trafford to players. Wilcox is also the person quoted when deals are confirmed and is arguably the most important person involved in transfers at Old Trafford.
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He is supported by the director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, whose power base has grown at Old Trafford over the last 18 months or so. The former RB Leipzig and Chelsea transfer guru pushed for the signing of Benjamin Sesko last summer and heads up a recruitment department that has pivoted towards data over the last two years.
Vivell oversees United’s scouting operation, both in-person and data-led, and can be another key contact for agents. He also has a strong say in identifying targets to strengthen the squad.
Another key figure is director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves, who leads negotiations on player sales and departures with other clubs, aiming to secure the best possible deal for United.
In the new structure, the voice of head coach Michael Carrick is diminished from the power held by the likes of Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag, but Carrick still offers an opinion on recruitment and has been involved in meetings to plan for the summer transfer window.
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2026-06-02 10:39:39
