Godwin ObajeNick Cox Set for Everton Move in Blow to Manchester United’s Academy Structure
Manchester United are poised to lose a pivotal figure in their youth development setup, as Nick Cox, the club’s director of academy, is on the verge of joining Everton in a senior leadership role.
The 47-year-old has been identified by the Toffees as their preferred candidate for the technical director position, and talks are understood to be at an advanced stage. Cox’s departure, though not yet finalised, is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, according to reports from i news.
Cox joined Manchester United in 2016 and has served as head of the academy since 2019, overseeing the development of players from Under-9s up to Under-21 level. Under his leadership, the Red Devils have continued their proud tradition of nurturing homegrown talent and maintaining a clear pathway from academy to first team.
During his tenure, players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have graduated to become key members of Erik ten Hag’s senior squad, while the likes of Toby Collyer and Harry Amass are tipped to follow in their footsteps.
Cox’s influence was recently acknowledged in an all-staff internal email, in which he was named a “key leader on the football side,” as reported by The Athletic. His departure will undoubtedly be viewed as a significant blow to United’s youth setup, which has long been a cornerstone of the club’s identity.
Despite his expected exit, it is believed Cox will remain at Manchester United until a suitable replacement is identified, ensuring a degree of continuity in the academy’s day-to-day operations.
The move forms part of a broader restructuring under Everton’s new ownership, led by the Friedkin Group, who completed their takeover in December. Cox’s appointment would mark another strategic addition to the Toffees’ football operations, aimed at laying strong foundations for the future.
His arrival will also see him work closely with returning manager David Moyes, who replaced Sean Dyche in January and successfully steered Everton away from relegation danger in the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign.
Next season promises to be a pivotal one for the Merseyside club, who are set to begin life at their new home, Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, having bid farewell to Goodison Park at the end of last term. The ambition is clear: to stabilise in the Premier League and gradually push up the table under Moyes’ stewardship.
In addition to Cox, Everton are also finalising a deal to bring in Manchester City’s director of recruiting and scouting, James Smith. Smith, who previously worked with Moyes during the Scot’s first spell at Everton and later at Manchester United, is expected to play a key role in revamping the club’s transfer strategy.
With structural changes taking shape off the pitch, and Moyes tasked with rebuilding on it, Everton appear determined to embark on a new era of stability and progress—one built not just on results, but a refreshed footballing identity anchored in youth and smart recruitment.
Godwin Obaje
