Manchester United have agreed an off-field deal which has left director of football Jason Wilcox “delighted”.
It has been a productive summer transfer window so far for the Red Devils, with INEOS spending more than £200m on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
However, the club have also bolstered their ranks for the future with a deal for teenage defender Diego Leon. United paid Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno £7m for Leon, who Ruben Amorim used in pre-season.
Talking during the summer after appearing in friendlies, Leon said: “It’s incredible. I am really enjoying being here with team-mates and learning a lot of things. It’s the first time I have had friendlies like this. I thought it was going to be the stadium half-empty before entering the pitch but then, I hear a sound that surprised me! The stadium is full, the fans. It’s all crazy.”
Leon could feature in the club’s academy ranks while also pushing for a spot in the first-team squad under Amorim, and a new update on the club’s academy has been confirmed.
Man Utd agree deal for Brentford academy director
On Thursday, it was revealed that the new academy director for Man Utd will be Stephen Torpey.
The Red Devils had been looking to fill the vacancy since Nick Cox departure to Everton as technical director was confirmed in June. Cox has stayed at Carrington to ensure a smooth transition and will take up the role on Merseyside when Brentford academy director Torpey joins in the coming months.
Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe with technical director Jason Wilcox
Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe with technical director Jason Wilcox
Wilcox admitted he was “delighted” and described Torpey’s previous work as “outstanding”.
“After an extensive recruitment process, we are delighted to have appointed Stephen at such an exciting time for our academy. Stephen’s record of youth development is outstanding; throughout his career he has played a significant role in the development of some of the most talented players in the country.
“We will work closely together to ensure that the academy continues to foster the right environment to nurture our young players individually while developing the best talent ready to excel in our first team.”
Torpey said after a move to Man Utd was announced: “I am really proud to have this opportunity to lead Manchester United’s academy. It is obviously a great time to be joining as the club enters an exciting new era; I can’t wait to play my role in continuing the incredible tradition of youth development here.
“After spending time with the leadership team, it is clear that the academy will always remain key to the identity of Manchester United, with our primary aim being to produce players ready to support a first team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”