Manchester United Football Club is making some big changes to the club, including Scouting staff reduction. Under New Technical Director Christopher Vivell, the Red Devils want a change in how the club has to run. Vivell, the former Chelsea and Leipzig executive is well known for his recruitment strategies. In this case, Vivell and the club has planned to reduce the scouting network that has sparked a debate in fans.
Manchester United Scouting Overhaul – Official Statement
Official statement about this decision came from Manchester United. The statement says, “As part of our ongoing strategy to strengthen football operations, we are restructuring our scouting and recruitment operations to create a more streamlined and collaborative process. While that does involve changes to personnel, we are confident it will enhance the quality and efficiency of our talent identification globally.”
The club feels that this decision might be painful for staff members. However, it will help the club in future and also improve strategic decisions.
Manchester United Scouting- Old school to Modern Model
The Red Devils are famous for their huge scouting network. This includes scouts around the world. However, this system is now reshaped as a part of key changes at the club. Many of the scouts are released and some of them have got a different role at the club. This has been done by Vivell with the permission of other important members of club. The club and Vivell feels that this would reduce the costs and make the scouting efficient.
𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃’𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐍! 🔴 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞!
Manchester United have cut their scouting team to 10 first-team scouts from over 100, and Christopher Vivell is leading the way to fix years of bad… pic.twitter.com/CZn4YeGHSw
— Fan 珍宝 (@Amorimsbestpal) June 23, 2025
Fan Reactions
The Manchester United fans wanted major changes at the club since a long time. This includes changes in signings, investment and clearing the debt. However, The clubs decision about reducing the scouting network has raised a mixed reaction from everyone. Internally, the staff are surprised about this decision of the club. Meanwhile, fans feel that loss of jobs is a big issue for the Family involved. Also, some people feel that this is a move in right direction for the club.
One fan wrote on social media platform X, “Glad to see Manchester United Scouting finally moving into the 21st century. We can’t keep falling behind City and Liverpool in recruitment.”
However, another posted: “Vivell might be clever, but gutting the whole scouting department before the transfer window even heats up? Feels like a risk.”
Impact on Summer Transfer Plans
The Summer Transfer Window before season 2025/26 is currently active. The change in recruitment system at Manchester United has raised questions about it’s impact in this summer.
According to many Top Journalists, the club’s plans remain Unchanged. The target’s are – striker, central midfielder, 2 or 3 more versatile signings depending on the budget. However, decision making will now be more centralized. The club will also rely on video scouting from trusted agents instead of a big global scouting team.
Also, the club has already planned for short term transfer so that the changes at club does not affect the team next season.
Recruitments
Along with Vivell, Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to have a key role in signing new players. In this context, Ruben Amorim said, “I think it has to be all together because, if you are a coach that comes in here and already chose the players, it could be wrong because this is a football club that will be here for a long time and you, as a coach, you don’t know that.”
He continued – “So you have to work – everybody together. And, for that, we have to improve the process of recruitment. The data, the profile of the players that we want. But I have to have to have a strong position on that, because I am the coach and I know how we want to play.
“I think it is all together but the final word, as you can say, should be with the manager [or head coach]. Not because it is your right but because it is your responsibility. Because in the end they will ask you about the results and, in the end, that comes through to me.
“I think that, all together, it’s to improve the process of recruitment and I have to understand the league – that is important – and when everything is aligned, everything is on the same page, we can [correctly] buy and sell players.”
Author’s Opinion
In this case, Manchester United’s key decision to reduce it’s staff is hard but important. For many years the club’s scouting system looked outdated and costly. Also, this led to confusion, hard decision making and also affected the results.
Although, now by focusing on data, technology and a small team, Manchester United is moving towards a smarter way of working. It’s not easy to remove the staff members and their presence will be missed. However, Modern football needs a different and quick approach. Vivell’s plan has got him results at Leipzig, he can bring talented signings with his approach. The Debate between the fans about this decision of the club is justified. It is harsh and sad that people are losing their jobs. However, some situations require a difficult solution and the Red Devils are now making serious changes.
How soon the system is formed will depend on many factors. Will the system prove to be game changer for United is an interesting question.
What do you think about Manchester United reducing their staff and scouting network? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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