Manchester United promote Jason Wilcox to director of football in latest behind-the-scenes reshuffle | OneFootball

Former England winger moved to Old Trafford last year as technical director after short spell at Southampton

Manchester United have made another significant backroom change by promoting Jason Wilcox to director of football, reports claim.

However, he has already earned a promotion, with multiple outlets reporting on Thursday that Wilcox will now serve as director of football moving forward.

As part of another behind-the-scenes reshuffle at United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford is said to be stepping back from his day-to-day role in order to concentrate on his position as director of sport at INEOS. However, it is believed that he will remain on the football board.

Their current leadership hierarchy also includes CEO Omar Berrada, formerly of Manchester City, and ex-Chelsea man Christopher Vivell, who was appointed as full-time director of recruitment back in February after initially serving in the role on an interim basis.

Dan Ashworth joined from Newcastle as sporting director last summer, but remained in post for only five months before departing in a shock exit in December.

A crucial summer lies ahead for the Red Devils, who are coming off by far the worst season in their Premier League history after finishing down in 15th place and also losing the Europa League final to fellow top-flight strugglers Tottenham in Bilbao.

They look set to make significant changes to a consistently underperforming squad after backing under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim, already triggering the £62.5million release clause of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha at Wolves.

United have been told to increase an opening offer for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo worth an initial £45m plus a further £10m in add-ons, though lost out to Chelsea on a £30m deal for Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

Mbeumo is said to favour a switch to Old Trafford, having also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle in recent months.

The club received a major boost this week with the news that influential captain Bruno Fernandes had rejected a lucrative final offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal that would have reportedly seen him earn a massive £200m over three years including bonuses, plus United landing a transfer fee of around £100m.