Man United confirm technical director appointment as Sir Jim Ratcliffe rebuild takes shape

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as the club's new technical director with him starting his new role with immediate effect.

United have reached an agreement with Championship side Southampton over the appointment after making an approach to the club last month. In a statement, United said: "Jason Wilcox has joined Manchester United as technical director with immediate effect.

"He will work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance.

"Jason was previously director of football at Southampton and before that academy director at Manchester City. As a player he won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995."

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His former club Southampton have also released a statement that reads: "Southampton Football Club can today confirm that it has reluctantly agreed to allow director of football Jason Wilcox to join Manchester United, having reached an agreement with the Premier League side on an acceptable compensation fee.

"Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason’s stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future."The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forwards."

The appointment is the latest since the takeover of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Changes to the club's structure have followed.

John Murtough has left his role as football director with Omar Berrada will become the club's new CEO in the summer. United have made a move for Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth, although he remains on gardening leave with an agreement between the two clubs yet to be reached.

The appointment of Wilcox means that previous technical director Darren Fletcher looks set to take up a new role at the club. PA News agency reports that he is set to continue to 'play a key role in the football leadership team that works across the men's first team and the academy'.