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Manchester United’s academy recruitment and talent development have become a hot topic during INEOS’ reign.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier on in the season admitted:

“The academy has really slipped at Manchester United. You need the academy to be producing talent all the time. It helps you financially. That’s not a light switch. You don’t solve the academy problem overnight. It takes time. We just recruited a new academy director.”

Those remarks made clear that United’s decision-makers are determined to restore the academy to its former glory. To achieve that, the Red Devils must bring the right people on board.

According to the Daily Mail, the club has been actively seeking a new head of academy recruitment.

Not long ago, it appeared they had found the ideal candidate, with Newcastle United’s Paul Midgley expected to take the role.

Midgley blow

Midgley, who previously worked alongside United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox during their Manchester City days, held talks about becoming United’s academy recruitment chief and was widely tipped to sign.

However, the Daily Mail reports:

“Paul Midgley has turned down their offer and will be staying on Tyneside. Midgley has told staff inside St James’ Park that...