The latest boardroom reshuffle at Manchester United saw Jason Wilcox promoted to a sporting director role.
Ineos were hopeful that Dan Ashworth would be their ideal sporting director, but he lasted just five months at Manchester United before leaving.
Instead, Jason Wilcox has been given more responsibility and with Sir Dave Brailsford stepping down, he is now the leading figure in the footballing department.
Wilcox was key to Ruben Amorim’s appointment, and the head coach and director now share a very close relationship. Together, their task is to get United playing attractive and successful football.
Manchester United sporting director Jason Wilcox.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Jason Wilcox has three pillars to his ‘game model’ at Man United
Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics at United despite facing fierce criticism over its lack of success in the Premier League so far.
However, after a season of struggle, Amorim promises good times are ahead and the suffering from the 2024/25 campaign has helped players understand their roles in his 3-4-2-1 system.
As director, Wilcox has devised a ‘game model’ at United that is focused around three pillars – “high-energy, attacking football, which can map onto any formation”.
Now in the summer transfer window, it is up to Jason Wilcox and his recruitment team to pick out players who will fit his game model at United.
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Ruben Amorim still has a say in United’s transfers, but it is Wilcox who will be driving the recruitment process behind the scenes.
So far, United’s rebuild started with the £62.5 million arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Matheus Cunha fits into Jason Wilcox and Ruben Amorim’s model
Wilcox wants United’s DNA to be high energy and attacking football, and Matheus Cunha ticks all of his boxes.
Cunha has proven himself as a clinical finisher after scoring 17 goals in all competitions last season, and he was the focal point of the Wolves attack.
Despite concerns about Cunha’s walking stats, figures also show he ranks towards the top of the Premier League when it comes to making high-intensity sprints.
READ MORE: Omar Berrada says what Matheus Cunha has is comparable to Eric Cantona, fans will ‘love’ him
United have fully committed to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, but Wilcox also wants to recruit players who are versatile and can adapt to new systems.
Cunha is comfortable in Amorim’s formation having played in a similar setup at Wolves, but he has also been just as efficient in four-at-the-back systems at Wolves, playing both out wide and as a striker.