‘Man United ready wonderkid signings as ex-Chelsea man heads in’
Man United are reportedly pushing forward with a rare recruitment hire with cuts and cost-cutting measures recently taking hold at Old Trafford.
According to The Sun (3 May), United are ready to sign up “talent-spotting king” Jim Fraser – who spent 20 years at Chelsea before leaving last year.
It is claimed his gardening leave is now ending and he is set to join the Red Devils – despite them being in the process of cutting 200 jobs, including in recruitment.
United have a dismal transfer record in recent seasons and their reputation for striking deals has not improved since Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s takeover.
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 – insisted Fraser has a “good reputation” in the game.
Ratcliffe must stop ‘tinkering’ to get results at Man United, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Man United need stability at the top of their recruitment team in order to deliver results in the near future.
Ratcliffe has spoken out about the academy at United, insisting he wants to bring first-team ready players through – rather than paying over the odds to sign them.
United recently signed Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi Martin from Arsenal and are now looking to bring the duo through their academy system.
However, Ratcliffe is also pressing ahead with the axing of several scouts as United look to return to profitability.
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | 35 | 46 | -4 |
| 14 | Wolves | 35 | 41 | -11 |
| 15 | Man United | 35 | 39 | -11 |
| 16 | Everton | 35 | 39 | -7 |
| 17 | Tottenham | 35 | 38 | 6 |
Asked whether Fraser would be a solid hire, Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s a strange one for Man United to focus on.
“I know of Fraser, I haven’t met him – but he was always known as a scout who could pick out young talent.
“He is also someone who understands data as well as being a good judge of player – he’s got a good reputation.
“United and Ratcliffe have said they want to get back to unearthing talent through the academy, rather than buying it all in.
“But someone like Fraser is just another piece in the puzzle, but he’s not a major piece.
“He’ll be a part of this, but it’s got to come from the top of the recruitment pyramid – that’s what they need to stop tinkering with.
“Stability at the top will mean stability in the dressing room.”
Major Mount update from Man United
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (7 May) that Ruben Amorim is still counting on Man United high earner Mason Mount to have a future at the club.
The 26-year-old has recently returned from a long-term injury layoff and has been ramping up his involvement.
He scored a brace against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday (8 May) after netting his first of the season against Brentford last week (3 May).
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