Manchester United have named Christopher Vivell the club’s director of recruitment on a permanent basis in the latest development of INEOS’ hierarchy shake-up, according to reports.
The 38-year-old is said to have accepted a reduced salary to continue the role he commenced temporarily last summer after signing a short-term deal.
United are striving to improve recruitment after years of reckless spending have inflamed the dire financial situation at Old Trafford overseen by owners the Glazer family.
Vivell initially reported to ex-sporting director Dan Ashworth before he parted ways with the club just five months after joining from Newcastle United.
According to The Athletic, the German transfer specialist is now working closely with technical director Jason Wilcox, whose responsibilities increased after Ashworth’s exit.
It’s claimed that Vivell has signed a multi-year contract at United and has accepted a pay cut, highlighting his commitment to play a central role in INEOS’ long-term rebuild.
Vivell formerly worked for Chelsea and RB Leipzig and has been involved in transfers including Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai and Benjamin Sesko.
The report adds that he will spearhead United’s global recruitment operation, scouting structure and the identification of high-potential talent.
Vivell is thought to have contributed to a shift in the Red Devils’ recruitment strategy across the first year of INEOS’ co-ownership.
The club has focused on younger first-team signings across the last two transfer windows, as well as prospects to initially join the youth set-up like Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Diego Leon.
United’s oldest summer signing was Noussair Mazraoui, aged 26. Matthijs de Ligt was 25, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte 23, and Leny Yoro 18.
In January, 20-year-old Lecce left-wing-back Patrick Dorgu joined in an initial £25million deal. Ayden Heaven, 18, also arrived from Arsenal.
Vivell’s permanent hire is part of an intense overhaul of operations at Old Trafford, which has already seen approximately 250 employees made redundant.
In an all-staff meeting on Monday, chief executive Omar Berrada confirmed that another wave of job cuts was on the horizon.
An email sent to employees following the half-hour summit explained that 150 to 200 more jobs were at risk as part of INEOS’ ruthless streamlining process.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to make United a leaner and more efficient business, which he believes will support improvement on the pitch.
United are currently 15th in the Premier League after 26 matches. They face Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday before a Europa League last-16 clash against Real Sociedad.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk