Man Utd appoint new recruitment director - David Ornstein

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Feb 2025 09:47 CST
• 3 min read

Breaking

Manchester United have appointed Christopher Vivell as their full-time director of recruitment, according to David Ornstein.

The Red Devils are continuing their restructuring under INEOS co-ownership. On Monday, Man Utd announced that 150-200 more employees would be made redundant in a bid to cut costs.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company have implemented a draconian austerity regime to help the club get on solid footing financially after five years of incurring losses.

However, these efforts haven't been helped by bizarre and ultimately expensive personnel decisions at the highest level in the sporting sphere. A lot of money was spent last year on handing manager Erik ten Hag a new contract and appointing sporting director Dan Ashworth only to part ways with them both a few months later.

READ MORE: Man Utd given LIFELINE over DISASTROUS transfer for forgotten star

Ruben Amorim succeeded Ten Hag in November, but Man Utd have been without a sporting director since Ashworth's departure, leading to technical director Jason Wilcox assuming more responsibilities.

Man Utd appoint Vivell permanently

In lieu of a sporting director, Man Utd have now made the decision to appoint Christopher Vivell as their full-time director of recruitment, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Rather than being Wilcox's superior, the German will actually report to the former Southampton and Man City executive. Vivell had been working in the role on an interim basis since last year. He has now been handed a long-term contract.

READ MORE: Man Utd 'ADVANCING' in first summer transfer for Amorim favourite

Vivell has agreed to accept a reduced salary as a clear sign of commitment to the INEOS project and he "will lead United’s global recruitment operation, scouting structure and emerging talent," according to Ornstein.

The 38-year-old previously worked for Chelsea and RB Leipzig. Along with Wilcox, he will play a key role in Man Utd's recruitment process going forward. Man Utd have yet to officially announce the appointment.