Manchester United have reportedly brought in two “best-in-class” youth developers as part of their revamp of the coaching department.
During the summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS initiated a massive overhaul of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff. The likes of Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy left. In their place, United secured the services of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The club also hired Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Andreas Georgson.
However, following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, Hake, Van Nistelrooy and Ten Rouwelaar also departed to make space for new head coach Ruben Amorim to work with his own people.
Earlier this month, United confirmed that Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro and Paulo Barreira had all joined Amorim. The five worked with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon.
According to Training Ground Guru, there have been further coaching additions, this time at academy level.
Since Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% minority investment in February, the club has placed increased focus on the academy, prioritising the establishment of robust structures to support the development of its talented young players.
Earlier this season, Tommy Rowe successfully completed his trials with the U21s to become player-coach. The position was previously held by Tome Huddlestone, who left in search of greener pastures.
Training Ground Guru now reveal, “Manchester United have added “best-in-class youth developers” Tom Curtis and Simon Wiles to their Academy staff as they continue to revamp their coaching provision.”
“Curtis has joined as Head of Player Development for the Youth Development Phase (Under-13s to U16s) – a role previously held by Adam Lawrence, who is now U18s Lead Coach. Curtis has worked for the Football Association for the last decade, most recently leading the England YDP.”
“Wiles has joined as Lead U14s Coach, as well as being responsible for the programme of development across the U13s. He has previously worked as First-Team Coach at Salford City for the last two-and-a-half years.”
Meanwhile, Amorim and his players are back in Europa League action on Thursday, when they host FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford.
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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!
