Manchester United have suffered a number of coaching exits at youth and development level this summer, and one more could now materialise.
Ruben Amorim has his first-team coaching staff settled and in place ahead of Manchester United’s latest Premier League campaign.
That has not been the case in United’s youth and development ranks, though, as this has been a summer of major upheaval.
David Hughes left his post as United’s Under-21 assistant in order to take over as Newport County boss.
Former Under-18 coach Adam Lawrence is wanted by Newcastle United after leaving United, director of academy Nick Cox left United for Everton, and Paul McShane joined Lee Grant at Huddersfield Town.
David Horseman is joining United to replace Hughes, but this turbulent summer for United’s academy ranks may have one more departure in store.
Fleetwood Town coach Simon Wiles looks on against Wigan Athletic.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Liverpool raid Manchester United for Simon Wiles
The Athletic now report that Liverpool are making a move to snatch United youth coach Simon Wiles.
Wiles currently serves as an Under-14 coach at United, but is now being lined up to become the Under-18 manager at Liverpool.
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It’s stated that Liverpool are now in ‘advanced talks’ to land Wiles as a replacement for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, who ironically followed McShane and Grant to Huddersfield.
United hired Wiles in 2024, luring the Preston-born coach away from Salford City.
Less than a year on, Wiles is being plucked by a bitter rival in another blow to United’s youth development ranks.
The 40-year-old has previously coached at Salford, Fleetwood Town and Bamber Bridge, with his coaching journey accelerating rapidly of late.
United certainly won’t want to lose Wiles, but the chance to step up from Under-14 to Under-18 level is one he may not be able to turn down.
United have already hired a new Under-18 manager
Lawrence’s exit this summer meant United had to hire a new Under-18 boss ahead of the 2025-26 season.
United could have looked in Wiles’ direction for that role, but have turned to Darren Fletcher instead.
Fletcher has been hired as United’s Under-18 boss this week, with the former midfielder now in charge of developing young talent.
Fletcher’s own experience of coming through the United ranks may help him in this role, especially in terms of how to deal with the pressure of becoming a first-team player.
Wiles is now leaving to take on an Under-18 managerial role of his own and will come up against Fletcher in the near future, once his move to Liverpool is confirmed.