1
Manchester United have reportedly identified their next academy director, who will succeed Nick Cox.
Cox’s departure confirmed
In June, United announced that Cox would be leaving after nine years of service, during which he transformed the club’s famous academy.
Cox arrived at United in 2016 from Sheffield United and was installed as head of academy in 2019.
While in the role, 35 youngsters made their first-team debuts for United, strengthening the youth system’s reputation as one of the best in the world.
The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga and many more all broke through under Cox.
United confirmed that Cox would be taking up the role of technical director at Everton. Now, according to the Daily Mail, a replacement for the 47-year-old has been secured.
United land perfect Cox replacement
The newspaper reveals that Stephen Torpey is in line to become the next head of United’s academy after being hand-picked by director of football Jason Wilcox.
The Mail add, “Torpey has been academy director at Brentford since January 2024 and will take the same job title at United.”
“He is highly rated following his work with Manchester City, where he helped to develop young stars such as Cole Palmer, James McAtee and Rico Lewis.”
Wilcox and Torpey know each other well from their time together at the Etihad Stadium. It’s understood that Torpey is due to be “announced imminently.”
Since he became co-owner and assumed operational control of United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been on a mission to ensure the Red Devils’ football structure has the best-in-class personnel, and Torpey is regarded as someone who falls into this category.
Brentford were keen to keep hold of him, but the attraction of a move to United seems to have been decisive.
Torpey is described as an “outside-the-box thinker” and is credited with playing a major role in City’s incredibly successful data-led approach.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
