Man Utd to add ex-Chelsea director to new recruitment team - reports

Manchester United have agreed to add former Chelsea director Christopher Vivell to support their recruitment team during the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Vivell, who moved to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in 2022 to succeed Petr Cech as the club's director, is set to become a crucial part of United's scouting team as part of the ongoing Old Trafford revamp.

The Athletic's David Ornstein first reported on Monday that United and Vivell were working on a deal. He is expected to advise the club on talent ID and player recruitment, having previously overseen the signings of talent such as Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Karim Adeyemi at his past clubs.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Vivell has already accepted a contract from United and is set to become their director of recruitment on a short-term deal. He will become the latest name to join Old Trafford's backroom staff after Dan Ashworth was officially announced as sporting director earlier this week.

The club have also moved to bring in Omar Berrada, who joins as CEO after leaving Manchester City, as well as Southampton's Jason Wilcox - the club's new technical director.

Vivell spent just seven months at Chelsea after being released from the club in July 2023. However, his experience as both a technical director and a squad planner at RB Leipzig allowed him to gain experience working in a multi-club model - something United will value as they sit under the INEOS umbrella.

United's decision to hire Vivell comes as they look to build a new structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They are expected to be very busy in the transfer window, revamping the club after recording their worst ever finish in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Vivell's appointment is expected to be announced once his work permit is agreed.

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