Manchester United are preparing to bolster their youth development infrastructure with the appointment of Paul Midgley as the club’s new head of youth recruitment, a move set to have significant implications for Old Trafford’s long-term strategy.
The 38-year-old, currently completing a three-year spell at Newcastle United, is expected to conclude his tenure at St. James’ Park before taking up his new responsibilities at Manchester United, where he will play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s academy and talent identification strategy.
Midgley’s recruitment comes after an extensive and competitive selection process, in which he emerged as the standout candidate for the position.
Sources indicate that his existing professional relationship with Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, was a decisive factor in securing the role.
Wilcox and Midgley previously collaborated on youth scouting initiatives, which reportedly strengthened United’s confidence in Midgley’s ability to integrate seamlessly into the club’s recruitment framework and deliver on strategic objectives.
During his time at Newcastle, Midgley earned widespread recognition for his innovative approach to youth recruitment and academy development.
He played an instrumental role in revitalizing the Magpies’ academy, introducing a modernized scouting system that prioritized both technical ability and developmental potential.
Under his guidance, players such as Sam Alabi and Michael Mills were successfully brought into the youth setup, reflecting Midgley’s eye for identifying talent capable of progressing through the academy and ultimately contributing to first-team plans.
His work at Newcastle not only strengthened the club’s talent pipeline but also laid the foundations for a sustainable recruitment model designed to produce long-term benefits.
At Manchester United, Midgley will take over from Luke Fedorenko, who is leaving the club to pursue a position with an external agency.
The appointment underscores United’s renewed focus on enhancing their academy structure and ensuring that youth recruitment aligns with the broader objectives of the first team.
The club is intent on creating a seamless pathway for young prospects, emphasizing technical development, tactical understanding, and character traits that fit the identity of United’s senior squad.
Midgley’s experience in transforming recruitment processes and integrating promising talent into a competitive youth system positions him as a key asset in achieving these ambitions.
Meanwhile, Midgley’s departure is expected to represent a notable challenge for Newcastle United.
His influence on their academy setup and recruitment strategy has been significant, and the club will need to act swiftly to find a replacement capable of sustaining the momentum and maintaining the development pipeline he established.
For Manchester United, however, securing Midgley signals a strategic investment in the future, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the foundations of their youth system and ensuring a steady stream of talented players capable of transitioning into the first team.
