Sir Jim Ratcliffe is far from done with his back-room clear-out and has now turned his attention to the club’s misfiring recruitment network.
According to Manchester Evening News, The Red Devils have streamlined their scouting network, with just ten first-team scouts now on the books.
Ratcliffe made the move in hopes of correcting past mistakes dating back to when the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson called time on his coaching career in 2013.
United’s poor scouting system has cost the club a lot of money in the transfer market. Since 2013, they have spent well over £1.6 billion on transfers but have nothing to show for it.
The Red Devils have made some massively underwhelming signings and managerial appointments in a bid to return the club to its glory days. All to no avail.
But Ratcliffe is determined to buck the trend. Revamping the club’s recruitment system was a key part of his pledge to the fans when he took over footballing operations.
So far, he’s making good on that promise. He has put together a new 10-man scouting team and installed former Chelsea man Christopher Vivell to oversee operations.
The 38-year-old joined United last year after stints at RB Leipzig and Chelsea. He was initially brought in on an interim basis to help steer the club through their first transfer window under Ratcliffe’s leadership.
However, he left a lasting impression on the British businessman and has now been rewarded. He will now lead a more focused team of scouts tasked with delivering results.
So far, United’s transfer business and targets have been far more impressive than in previous years.
They’ve signed Matheus Cunha, who will fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system like a glove, and are also pursuing a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Cunha and Mbeumo netted 35 Premier League goals between them last season, just nine less than United managed throughout the campaign.
They’ll certainly be adding firepower to the frontlines, although United are still locked in a battle with Tottenham Hotspur for Mbeumo’s signature.