Wilcox calling the shots as exciting academy addition close to being confirmed by United – report

Manchester United are set to appoint David Horseman as the new assistant manager for the U21s, to replace former U21 assistant manager David Hughes.

Hughes, who was Travis Binnion’s assistant left to become the new Newport County manager, and as per The Manchester Evening News, Horseman is close to being appointed as his replacement.

“Travis Binnion is Under-21 boss and his former assistant David Hughes left the club at the end of last season to become Newport County’s manager, meaning a vacancy opened up.

“Sources have confirmed Horseman is expected to succeed Hughes in that U21 assistant role.”

David Horseman the new U21 assistant boss

Horseman has worked extensively in the lower leagues, with stints as Forest Green manager in 2023, which lasted for around five months, before taking on the role of first-team coach at Bristol Rovers until the 24/25 season.

He even took over as caretaker manager last December for a couple of games before slipping into his coaching role once again.

Following Bristol’s relegation, he was confirmed to be leaving his role in May, and now looks like he could be set for a move to the Red Devils.

Interestingly, his appointment could be part of Jason Wilcox’s masterplan to revamp the academy.

Wilcox calling the shots

Horseman worked at Southampton between 2019 and 2023 in a variety of roles, including U21s assistant manager, U21 manager as well as first-team assistant manager.

Which effectively means he worked closely with Wilcox, who was at St Mary’s at that time.

Wilcox was recently named United’s Director of Football, and he is calling the shots with regards to academy recruitment.

Last season, Binnion’s team reached the PL2 play-off semi-finals, where they eventually lost to neighbours Manchester City. It will be interesting to see how this coaching change impacts the academy moving forwards.

Among other changes implemented by Wilcox is Darren Fletcher being in negotiations to become the new U18 boss, while Jonny Evans retired and joined as head of loans.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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