Man Utd and Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'speed up' key signing ahead of summer transfer window

Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have sped up the arrival of a top scout ahead of the summer, it has been claimed.

The Sun has alleged that United have done a deal with Ipswich to bring in the Championship side’s head of recruitment Sam Williams.

Williams previously worked as the Red Devils’ academy scout and first-team recruitment analyst between 2017 and 2022.

United are aiming to upgrade their academy set-up, with Williams reportedly taking the role of lead scout.

He will allegedly report to the head of academy recruitment Luke Fedorenko and is one of several recent changes to that department since the arrival of Ratcliffe and his Ineos group in February.

Across the last six months, United have brought in people from Ipswich, Cardiff and Blackburn, while a series of their current staff have been awarded promotions or had their roles change.

Williams’ return follows the arrival of Jason Wilcox as technical director.

United confirmed Wilcox’s appointment this week, with the former Manchester City academy director having joined from Southampton.

The Saints said they had received compensation to allow Wilcox to move to Old Trafford.

"Whilst the club is naturally disappointed that Jason's stay at Southampton has only lasted nine months, it wishes him well for the future," Southampton announced in a statement.

There has been massive upheaval among United's recruitment staff since Ratcliffe's arrival (Getty)

"The club will continue to work closely with Russell Martin and his back-room team to ensure they have all the support they require moving forward."

United are also looking to hire Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the 53-year-old having been placed on gardening leave after telling his club he wanted to join the Old Trafford outfit.

Meanwhile, ex-Manchester City executive Omar Berrada is set to join Manchester United as chief executive in the summer.