Your Route to Real News

Ratcliffe makes crucial Man Utd move as overhaul edges closer despite anger

1506     0
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reshaping things at Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reshaping things at Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Southampton manager Russell Martin has admitted that Jason Wilcox is on the brink of sealing his exit to join Manchester United.

Saints’ director of football has been targeted by United, who are overhauling their structure since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. United have poached Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City to become their new chief executive and are also chasing Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth to become the new sporting director.

Wilcox is being lined up to take the role of technical director, working underneath Ashworth, but the way they have gone about it angered Southampton. The Championship side were frustrated by the approach for the 53-year-old, who only joined Saints from Manchester City last summer but is keen on the move.

There had been some pushback, with Southampton insisting Wilcox did not have a release clause and couldn’t be taken at key juncture in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. But while there remain areas to iron out, Martin has now accepted that Wilcox is on his way out.

“Being brutally honest, the people it affects the most are me and his coaching staff because he brought us into the club. I don’t think it’s affected the players,” he said in a press conference on Friday. “Jason is a great guy, I speak to him a lot. I have had the most conversations with him here. I don’t think it's affected the way we work or the results.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow eiqrriqzriqdeprwWorld Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

“It has not affected the process we are working on. But, of course, he is a good person and you never want to see good people walk out of the building. I have nothing but good things to say about Jason. It has not been clarified what is happening because [chief executive] Phil [Parsons] and the ownership group have a job to protect our club as much as we can.

“Manchester United have a job to get the guy that they want. If it ends up happening then Jason goes with our best wishes. He has played such a big role in changing the culture here.

Ratcliffe makes crucial Man Utd move as overhaul edges closer despite angerJason Wilcox is moving to Manchester United (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

"What he does has enabled us to be the leaders we want to be. He has been so supportive. Hopefully, we did a good job for him.

"There is still a lot of stuff legally that needs to be worked through by both clubs. If he ends up going, which looks likely, I wish him nothing but the best. It’s Manchester United – he moved down here from there. I’m sure the relationship will continue beyond this. He is a good guy and we will see what happens.”

Former Blackburn winger Wilcox began his post-playing career as a coach with Manchester City before becoming the club’s academy director. Having developed a reputation for player development, he was hired by Southampton last year and is now moving once again to United.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our

Felix Keith

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus