Manchester United have appointed a new Academy Director to replace the highly respected Nick Cox.
In June, Everton appointed Manchester United’s director of academy Nick Cox as technical director of the club.
Cox has led United’s academy since 2019, overseeing many young players who became first-team graduates such as Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Amass and Toby Collyer.
After joining United in 2016, Cox went on to spend nine years at Old Trafford after being promoted to head of the academy just three years on from his arrival.
Cox, who previously worked at Watford and Sheffield United, was always going to be a tough man to replace.
United have been working hard to find a replacement in recent months, while Cox will remain at the club for the coming months to ensure a smooth crossover.
Nick Cox ahead of the U18 Premier League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Stephen Torpey appointed Man Utd Academy Director
Replacing Cox as Academy Director was never going to be an easy task for United, but they haven’t wasted any time identifying a successor.
The academy is thriving after Cox redefined the structure to compete again, having fallen behind after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011. It will be the new man’s job to build on those foundations.
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Stephen Torpey became a leading contender to replace Cox after proving himself at Brentford’s academy.
Manchester United have now confirmed the appointment of Torpey, who was part of Man City’s youth system staff when Jason Wilcox was the academy director.
Speaking about the appointment, United’s director of football, Wilcox, said: “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.”
Wilcox appears to be building a trusted network at United. Since becoming director of football, he has brought David Horseman in as U21s’ assistant coach, having worked together previously.
Torpey proud of Man Utd opportunity
After doing an incredible job at Brentford, Torpey will make the same move as summer signing Bryan Mbeumo when he joins United in the coming months.
Torpey is “proud” to have earned the opportunity to lead United’s academy.
He said: “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.”
Torpey will oversee the development programme, which starts with the U9s. Those programmes run for players until the age of 23.
The ultimate goal for Cox was to help each player have a successful professional career.