Man United close to agreeing deal with ‘aggressive’ man who once worked for Leeds
Man United’s new hire could be a success at the club following the positive work he has done in previous roles.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, as Man United are expected to hire Newcastle United‘s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley.
Man United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves leaves the Red Devils outside the European places, with Champions League football the target for Ruben Amorim.
Amorim has been told he needs to qualify for the Champions League amid Man United’s financial position.
Man United’s new hire has ‘good pedigree’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Man United’s academy are still living off the class of 92.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has heard that Midgley “has a good eye for talent.”
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think, look, United have lived off the class of 92 for so many years. They want to get back to doing that again. They haven’t been able to do it successfully.
“There’s been very few that have come through. Some that we thought would have done well haven’t gone on and cracked it. But then again, there’s been such a parade of managers. It’s hardly surprising that there’s been that confusion.
“So, look, I think it is an indication. Look, Midgley, when I checked around, he’s well thought of, he actually had some time at Man City and Leeds as well. He’s got a good pedigree, he is known to be quite aggressive in the recruitment market, and has a good eye for talent and is well liked.
“So he seems to be a very good fit. But then again, the last person that went from Newcastle to United was Dan Ashworth, and we all know how that ended. So we’ll see how that goes.”
Man United star set to depart in 2026
Man United will cash in on captain Bruno Fernandes this year, and use the funds to strengthen the squad.
Fernandes revealed that the Red Devils tried to sell him last summer to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but the 31-year-old wanted to remain at Old Trafford.
Amorim would like a replacement to sign before Fernandes is allowed to leave, with Ruben Neves a potential January arrival.