Manchester United have confirmed that director of academy Nick Cox has left his role after nine years of service.Earlier this week, it emerged that Cox had accepted to become Everton’s new

James Smith, formerly of the City Football Group, joins as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, while data consultant Chris Howarth has been brought in to help shape ‘football strategy’. Former Leeds and Newcastle coach Nick Hammond will play a key role in transfers, tasked with leading ‘player trading activity’.

Cox has led United’s academy since 2019, overseeing the graduation to the senior side of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and others.