Manchester United’s vast scouting department is expected to bear the brunt of INEOS’ latest round of job cuts as per recent reports.
The Guardian have reported that the Red Devils’ 80-strong scouting group could see sizeable reduction with Sir Jim Ratcliffe eyeing up to 200 redundancies.
The British billionaire has already claimed that these job cuts are necessary to keep the club afloat. Fans are not too happy as INEOS are still bringing in executives for top dollar as seen from their capture of Marc Armstrong, who will become the club’s chief business officer.
This update comes amid United’s push for a data-driven approach to transfers, something the new co-owners were not happy with when they arrived.
Scouting department to feel the pinch
“Manchester United’s department of around 80 scouts is facing considerable cuts as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s next round of up to 200 redundancies, the Observer understands.
“The likely reduction is part of a streamlining of the department due, in part, to the industry-wide practise of utilising data-driven assessment of players.”
The Guardian report further shed light on United’s current scouting team which includes 30 full-time scouts who are placed all around the globe and are responsible for both senior and academy recruitment.
The 50-odd part-time or casual-basis scouts are mainly based out of the country and their remit is covering the domestic youth games, predominantly in the north-west of England and other parts of the UK.
Vivell to stay
This move could affect the club’s recruitment plans, at least, in the short-term. With a pivotal summer window coming up, the club cannot afford to take things lightly.
It might also affect Sir Jim’s highly-publicised Mission 21 and Project 150 plans with INEOS aiming for a league title by the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028.
The report also mentioned that Christopher Vivell, who had joined as temporary head of recruitment, has impressed INEOS and will likely become a permanent addition to the brains trust at the club.
“Christopher Vivell, the former Chelsea technical director, who became recruitment director on short-term contract in the summer, is expected to be appointed on a permanent basis as recruitment director to head up the restructured operation.”
Vivell was credited with bringing in Sekou Kone in the summer and his experience with the Red Bull group could come in handy as the club eyes unpolished diamonds in the future.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
