Man Utd have appointed a staff member from Man City to work in an academy football development role.
United have hired a staff member from City.(Image: 2019 Getty Images)
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Manchester United have appointed Darren Hughes as head of academy football development and methodology. Hughes joins from Manchester City, where he spent 11 years in different roles.
United advertised the role at the beginning of last month. The club described the position as "fundamental to the long-term vision of United in identifying and developing the best coaches and the best young players."
Hughes most recently worked as the head of coaching in City's academy, a role in which he was responsible for overseeing coach development and the coaching philosophy.
Hughes will report into Stephen Torpey, head of the academy. United sources have said Hughes was the clear landing candidate following an extensive recruitment process.
Before Hughes' promotion at City, he worked as Under-16 lead coach, Under-18 assistant and Under-11 lead. He joined City in the summer of 2014 after working for Liverpool for seven years.
Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah emerged through Liverpool's academy during Hughes' stint in Merseyside. Hughes played a role in the development of Oscar Bobb, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer at City.
Torpey previously worked with Hughes during his stint at City. United appointed Torpey as head of the academy from Brentford in September, following Nick Cox's departure to Everton.
Torpey joined City in 2014 and gradually worked his way up in their academy to become the head of coaching between the Under-15 and Under-23 age groups, a role in which he oversaw trophy wins.