Nick Cox is set to leave Manchester United for Evertonplaceholder image
Nick Cox is set to leave Manchester United for Everton | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd are set to lose a key member of their backroom staff to a Premier League rival and this is why.
Manchester United academy director Nick Cox is set to leave the club to become the new technical director at Everton.
The 47-year-old was headhunted for the job by Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear in the latest statement appointment by the Friedkin Group (TFG). The appointment of Cox comes shortly after Everton brought Man City director of scouting and recruitment James Smith back to the club in a senior scouting role.
Cox has been at Old Trafford for nearly a decade and was appointed academy director back in 2022. It is understood he will remain in his role with United over the coming months to support a smooth transition plan, while club sources insist his departure is 'totally amicable'. United acknowledge it will be a huge task to replace Cox this summer, though they insist a succession plan is already underway to ensure that youth development continues to thrive at the club.
Read More
Why Nick Cox is leaving Manchester United
Nick Cox has decided to leave Manchester United in order to take on a more senior role at Everton in an exciting new chapter in his impressive career. It is understood the academy chief acknowledges it is a 'hard decision' to leave Old Trafford but he was flattered to be directly headhunted for the new role and is excited by the new opportunity that awaits.
Cox has previously turned down various technical director and sporting director roles at Premier League, EFL and European clubs, as well as multiple opportunities with governing bodies in recent years but felt a move to Everton was the right next step in his journey.
The 47-year-old has been widely credited with implementing the enhancements in processes and culture that have rejuvenated United's academy in recent years. He played a key role in every aspect of the academy’s overhaul, including operations, recruitment, analysis, performance and education. That is backed up by the fact 38 academy players have made their senior debut during his time at the club, 29 since he was appointed director of the academy.
Cox also played a key role in the recent recruitment drive that saw United land the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, while he also worked hard to keep Kobbie Mainoo at the club. He also understood the financial benefit of the club's academy system, which has earned the club roughly £100 million in player sales across the last three seasons.
Continue Reading