Manchester United are benefiting from the influence of Jason Wilcox in the transfer market.

There has been a clear emphasis on signing young players since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Manchester United.

The United co-owner brought a team of Ineos chiefs with him to Old Trafford, including Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, in an attempt to change the structure at a club that had fallen from previous heights.

The Ineos pulling power at United has been on display after signing young talent like Leny Yoro, Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Ayden Heaven over the past year.

United fans should be excited to see it has continued this summer following the capture of Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.

It’s further proof that United are concentrating on getting the best young talent from across the globe to Old Trafford.

This shows that Ineos are planning for the future at United and staying clear of players past their best, unlike the previous recruitment team that had power at United, under the Glazers’guidance.

The move coincided with Wilcox being named United’s director of football, after initially arriving at the club as technical director in April 2024.

Wilcox spent a year as Southampton’s director of football following a spell at Man City where he developed a reputation for nurturing excellent young talent.

On top of that, Wilcox is renowned for having an eye for recruiting some of the best prospects in the game.

United will hope that is the case, yet again, with the signing of Emsden-James.

Reports in May suggested United wanted to sign Emsden-James and were leading the race for his signature.

According to BBC Sport, United have snapped up Emsden-James, and he is set to join the Academy ahead of next season.

Having worked at Southampton, Wilcox should know what players are worth keeping an eye on. He should also have contacts keeping him up to date with the development of their brightest prospects.

Hopefully, Wilcox can keep identifying the best young prospects for United. That is what he was brought to Old Trafford to do.

London trio miss out on Emsden-James

United were just one of the Premier League clubs chasing Emsden-James this summer.

A report from the Daily Mail three weeks ago suggested that the 16-year-old was also wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Emsden-James has opted to join United ahead of those clubs.

Youngsters can see from the likes of Yoro, Heaven and Chido that they will get opportunities under Ruben at United.

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