United’s academy overhaul rolls on as club makes appointment in key position – report

Manchester United have appointed Connor Hunter to a vital academy position after they were rejected by Paul Midgley.

United turned down

The United Academy is currently undergoing plenty of changes, sparked by the exit of Nick Cox, who served as the club’s academy director.

Cox’s departure was announced in June last year, with the recruitment and development chief moving to a role at Everton.

United brought in Stephen Torpey from Brentford to replace Cox.

The Red Devils were hit with another departure when head of academy recruitment Luke Fedorenko also left, joining sports agency Unique Sports Group as their head of elite talent.

Fedorenko spent nine years at Old Trafford, playing a key role in identifying and landing top youth prospects. He enjoyed a strong relationship with Cox, having also worked together at Sheffield United.

United had been in talks with Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley, but he eventually turned down the move, opting to remain in the North East.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Midgley decided to remain at St James’ Park after late talks with their sporting director Ross Wilson, academy director Steve Harper and head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Midgley previously worked at Manchester City with United’s director of football Jason Wilcox.

It’s understood that United carried on with their search for a new head of academy recruitment and Hunter’s appointment in that capacity has now been finalised.

Hunter steps up

After being rejected by Midgley, United looked within and promoted Hunter to replace Fedorenko.

Hunter joined United from Everton as an assistant phase scout in July 2017. He rose through the ranks, assuming a number of academy positions including the pre-academy manager, head of local recruitment 7-15, lead phase scout between Under-13 and Under-16.

Most recently, he worked as United’s national scouting manager.

The Liverpool John Moores University graduate will continue to find and secure the best and most promising talents for United.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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