Manchester United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are facing mounting scrutiny as pressure intensifies on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS-led leadership.

The pair were appointed in 2024 as part of an ambitious restructuring designed to restore United’s fortunes following years of disappointment under the Glazer family.

Wilcox initially arrived as technical director before being promoted to director of football in June 2025, while Berrada assumed responsibility as chief executive.

However, their tenure has been overshadowed by controversial recruitment decisions, managerial upheaval and increasingly hostile supporters.

United spent approximately £155 million strengthening their midfield during the summer but failed to recruit a specialist left-back, despite Luke Shaw’s recurring injury problems.

Former manager Ruben Amorim also clashed with Wilcox over tactics and recruitment before his dismissal in January.

More recently, Lisandro Martinez publicly criticised the director of football, demanding greater investment following United’s Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid.

United’s disastrous results have only intensified scrutiny, with Michael Carrick’s side sitting 17th in the Premier League after nine consecutive matches without victory.

Amid the growing uncertainty surrounding United’s leadership, another senior recruitment figure has officially departed after just one year.

Manchester United recruitment lead officially announces his departure

Matt Johnson has left his position as Recruitment Lead for Manchester United Women to become Assistant Director of Football at Crux Football.

Johnson joined United in November 2025, overseeing global scouting, recruitment strategy, squad planning, negotiations and player analysis.

His departure was confirmed through an official LinkedIn announcement from Crux Football, welcoming him to his new position.

Johnson will work alongside strategic director Ted Knutson across recruitment and football strategy within the organisation’s multi-club network.

That includes French side Montpellier FC and Swedish club FC Rosengard.

Before joining United, Johnson held recruitment positions at Brighton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth, where he helped the women’s team secure promotion as league champions.

Johnson also confirmed his excitement about joining Crux, highlighting the opportunity to contribute towards the development of women’s football.

His departure concerns United’s women’s recruitment department, with no indication that it is connected to the scrutiny surrounding Wilcox or Berrada.