Man Utd make decision on future of interim transfer guru | OneFootball

Manchester United are reported to have appointed interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell on a permanent 'multi-year contract' as hierarchical adjustments at Old Trafford continue.

Vivell, formerly of Chelsea, joined United last summer on a temporary basis to work alongside a new team of sporting executives including Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.

The Athletic writes that Vivell, previously reporting to Ashworth, will report into Wilcox. His new agreement with United is said to include a reduced salary, highlighting both the club's commitment to further reducing costs amid a fresh round of job losses, and his desire to remain involved.

Vivell's permanent appointment appears to lessen the likelihood of Ashworth, who was let go in December and has now re-emerged in a voluntary advisory role at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, being directly replaced any time soon.

Between Wilcox taking on more responsibility in his technical director position since Ashworth, chosen last year to be United's first ever sporting director, departed and Vivell tasked with heading up recruitment, the pair appear to have things covered.

Ashworth was highly regarded following successful spells with West Bromwich Albion, England, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United, but lasted only five months after it became apparent that he wasn't what co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected him to be.

Before Chelsea, Vivell also worked at RB Leipzig, a club with a renowned reputation for unearthing unknown raw talent and developing players. Overseeing scouting forms a significant part of what the German will bring to United, with clubs everywhere increasingly keen to move away from spending huge amounts on transfers that don't offer long-term returns.