Manchester United considered bringing Michael Appleton back to the club over the summer, but he has now returned to management.
Ineos made a number of big moves last summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to revolutionise Manchester United.
Jason Wilcox arrived as technical director whilst Christopher Vivell came in to help on the transfer front.
Dan Ashworth was the major coup as United raided Newcastle United, making Ashworth the new sporting director at Old Trafford.
That didn’t really work out too well; Ashworth departed United in December after just a matter of months at the club.
Ashworth’s influence didn’t last too long, and his departure meant one potential move behind the scenes was scrapped.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Michael Appleton back in management after missing out on Manchester United return
Reports last summer suggested Michael Appleton was in line for a United return under Ashworth.
Appleton is a boyhood United fan who came up through the ranks before shining under David Moyes at Preston North End.
More United News
The former midfielder joined West Bromwich Albion but moved into coaching after retiring early due to injury.
Ashworth and Appleton worked together at West Bromwich Albion, and a reunion, with Appleton overseeing United’s loan players, was lined up.
Appleton’s history as a manager in the EFL with Portsmouth, Lincoln City and Oxford United, among others, was viewed as being ideal for the role as he boasted great contacts.
The rumours went quiet, but Appleton was seen alongside Ashworth in October, suggesting that a United reunion was back on.
Ashworth’s abrupt departure in December kiboshed the move though, with Appleton’s United return scrapped.
Appleton is now returning to management in League One, having been appointed as the new Shrewsbury Town boss until the end of the season.
Gareth Ainsworth quit his post as Shrews boss this week, dropping to League Two to take over at Gillingham.
Appleton has now received the call at Shrewsbury and will attempt to keep them afloat in League One.
The return to United may not have worked out, but Appleton now has a chance to coach again rather than oversee loan deals – something he may not have envisaged last summer.
Shrewsbury Town are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Appleton as head coach for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Read more below 👇#Salop 🔷🔶
— Shrewsbury Town FC (@shrewsburytown) March 26, 2025
View Tweet
Travis Binnion overseeing loans after Michael Appleton interest
As reported by Training Ground Guru in October, Les Parry departed his role as United’s loans manager.
That could have paved the way for Appleton to arrive, but it just never worked out.
United did not announce a direct replacement for Parry, but Travis Binnion appears to have taken some of the responsibilities.
United’s official website shows that Binnion is the head of player development and coaching at Old Trafford.
Binnion’s role is described as ‘oversees the development of every Academy player aged 17-21, including those who go out on loan to other clubs’.
Binnion appears to be the key man in United’s loan moves right now, but whether Ineos intend to make a move down the line remains to be seen.