Man Utd appoint new transfer chief despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to axe 200 staff

Manchester United have been making huge changes to its football structure after announcing 200 job cuts as Sir Jim Ratcliffe bids to improve the club’s financial position and bring success to the team

Manchester United have appointed Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment on a full-time basis after the German signed a short-term deal last year.

The 38-year-old has now signed a multi-year contract at Old Trafford, according to the Athletic, which will see him lead the club’s “global recruitment operation, scouting structure and emerging talent”.

Vivell, who previously worked at Chelsea and Red Bull Leipzig, will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox – who has now assumed more responsibility following the exit of sporting director Dan Ashworth.

United are making sweeping changes to the structure of the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and recruitment is among the areas where staff will be let go, the report says, following the announcement that 200 employees would be axed.

Vivell’s position was always intended to become permanent eventually, it goes on to say, with his presence at the club providing more “clarity” to the structure amid the ongoing turbulence behind the scenes.

He is likely to play a key role in United’s summer spending and identification of players to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad. The Portuguese boss has already confirmed the club will be forced to sell before they can buy amid their difficult financial position.

Vivell will be tasked with organising a new-look scouting set-up after a round of cuts to the department. The club initially had around 140 scouts in a bloated system that now looks to be more refined. Vivell is said to have played a crucial role in signing young midfielder Sekou Kone last year and will now be expected to lead United in the transfer market with a refined budget.

Ratcliffe is said to have made it clear that signings will have a major impact on the club’s financial success, so there will be pressure on Vivell to ensure quality names are brought in that deliver and don’t break the bank.

It comes after CEO Omar Berrada announced a string of new job cuts that he said were necessary to keep the club on track for a successful future. He said: “We are initiating a wide-ranging series of measures which will transform and renew the club.

“We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money.

“At the end of this process, we will have a more lean, agile and financially sustainable football club, while continuing to provide a world class service to our valuable commercial partners. We will then be in a much stronger position to invest in football success and improved facilities for fans, while remaining compliant with UEFA and Premier League regulations.”

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