Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their attempts to appoint a new head of academy recruitment. Daily Mail Sport can reveal that Newcastle’s Paul Midgley has turned down their offer and will be staying on Tyneside. The 38-year-old held talks with Manchester United last month and, having worked with director of football Jason Wilcox at Manchester City, there was an expectation he would become the club’s new recruitment chief below first-team level. News of him turning down United comes on the back of a difficult 48 hours for the club’s hierarchy, after head coach Ruben Amorim was sacked amid tensions with Wilcox. Midgley’s decision to stay came after positive talks with Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson, academy director Steve Harper and head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Source: Metro January 06, 2026 16:24 UTC