Since the arrival of Ineos in 2024, Manchester United’s footballing department has undergone some serious upheaval.
It was one of the biggest problems at the club for years, with the people in positions of power being completely unqualified and clueless. Ed Woodward fell into this category for Manchester United, as he was responsible for some terrible transfer decisions made by the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed Woodward knew nothing about football, as he admitted that in 2025, the club are still paying for these mistakes with Richard Arnold and John Murtough also culpable.
The impact of poor recruitment this summer sees United having to pay £89 million in installments for players like Antony and Casemiro. This contributed to the financial peril the club finds itself in now, but Ineos‘ new crack team have been much better to date.
Big football decisions this summer will be made by technical director Jason Wilcox and also the head of recruitment Christopher Vivell. The duo have already combined for some excellent deals, and this summer is expected to be no different.
Now, United in Focus understands that Arsenal were looking to take a key figure from Old Trafford.
Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
Since being appointed temporarily last summer, Vivell has played a key role in some of the exciting swoops United have made. Due to this, Vivell earned himself a permanent deal earlier this year.
Now, United in Focus can confirm, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, that prior to this agreement, Vivell was considered an early option for Arsenal’s sporting director role.
More United News
“He won’t leave. He was on Arsenal’s early list, but they’ve obviously gone with Andrea Berta now.
“When Arsenal were doing their work on options, his name came up. He’s very highly regarded, but Manchester United have tied him down now. He was on their radar and under consideration.”
Vivell is set for a very important summer in his role at the club. With Dan Ashworth’s exit, Vivell and Wilcox have been handed the keys to rebuild this United side.
Manchester United need a big summer from Christopher Vivell
Vivell is known for his work with the Red Bull Group and also the new version of Chelsea. Both these roles entailed a focus on recruiting young but first-team-ready youngsters for cheap.
Vivell likely played a key part in signing Sekou Kone and soon-to-be Diego Leon, with the summer expected to see some more unknown stars arrive at Carrington.
United have been linked with sourcing a needed new central defender from Argentina, with Juan Gimenez an option to emerge for the club. Closer to home, a move for Chris Rigg looks more than ready to step up, wth the deal fitting the bill of Ineos’ policy.
This summer must see some established players arrive at the club, however, there will be plenty of Vivell-esque signings as he takes on his first proper window with a full season to plan.