Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their search for a head of senior recruitment, as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ overhaul of the scouting department.
Since becoming co-owner of the club, Ratcliffe has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the way United’s scouting department functions. This comes at a time when poor recruitment has played a significant role in the team’s underperformance on the pitch in recent years.
United finished in 15th place last season and suffered a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, a result that cost them a place in next term’s Champions League.
INEOS have overseen a restructuring and modernisation of United’s scouting network, which has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of scouts and the departure of director of scouting Stephen Brown after nine years at Old Trafford.
United looking for a recruitment guru
Now, according to the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Red Devils are seeking new additions in a bid to streamline the way they operate.
Ornstein reveals, “Manchester United are searching for a head of senior recruitment, a new role overseeing senior scouts, as part of their overhaul of that department.”
“United will also have regional heads of emerging talent across the main talent pools globally.”
“United plan to retain significant human scouting and analytical capabilities, particularly focused on emerging talent, with strengthened data support, following the recruitment of Michael Sansoni as director of data. Sansoni was appointed from the Mercedes Formula One team earlier this year.”
Ornstein adds that United’s hiring efforts are being aided by Sportsology, a sports intelligence consultancy.
On their website, Sportsology describe themselves as “A leading provider of premium knowledge, strategic advisory, and operational support in the sports industry.”
They further note, “Our expertise is focused on franchise owners, global leagues and federations, and Institutional Investors, driving success and fuelling transformative growth. We are dedicated to empowering sports organizations to create and own their future.”
Some of their other clients include NFL franchises the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams. They also work with MLS teams Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati.
It’s understood that the new head of senior recruitment will report into United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
