NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Southampton are furious with the timing of Manchester United’s strategy for Jason Wilcox and may insist that he serve his full 12-month work period.
Reports emerged on Monday night that Southampton’s manager would soon be moving to Old Trafford and leaving his current position.
United have submitted a refund, equivalent to one year’s salary, triggering a buyout clause, but the south coast club have questioned the form of such an agreement.
According to The Times, Southampton are so dissatisfied with the form and timing of United’s technique that they are willing to play hard even if Wilcox is forced to serve his full 12-month term of work.
Southampton were beaten 3-2 by league leaders Ipswich Town when news of Wilcox broke and they are locked in a fierce promotion war; it looks like they will have to do it until the Play-Offs.
It’s an unwanted distraction at a critical time of the season and talks between United and Southampton have progressed well.
United’s offer of a year’s salary was rejected and Wilcox will have a gardening licence until the summer of 2025 if he decides to resign.
It is possible that Southampton will simply allow him to leave faster, but, irritated by the way United have behaved, they will ask for a higher payment than has been put on the table.
If a higher offer is rarely made, Southampton are willing to leave Wilcox for his entire period of work, even if it means no compensation, and they will also have to pay him for next year, even though it may not be a working year.
Saints boss Russell Martin was blunt when asked about the rumours following his side’s loss to Ipswich, saying: “I’ve heard in the media that he’s going to be gone for six weeks, nothing has changed. “
United now face the very genuine prospect of another long and drawn-out deal for a key cog in their restructured squad, just as they did with their pursuit of Dan Ashworth.
The former FA leader accepted an offer to work at Old Trafford as the club’s first sporting director, but lately he is serving an era of work that lasts until the end of 2025.
Newcastle are unwilling to trade their initial £20m value to end their landscaping licence early, but that figure is beyond what United’s new minority owners Ineos are willing to pay.
The chances of Ashworth joining the club in time to play a role before the summer are very low, and it now looks like the same is true of Wilcox’s transfer.
Wilcox’s move to Old Trafford would reunite him with United’s new chief executive, Omar Berrada, and the two worked together at Manchester City; The Spaniard is also fulfilling his royal era lately before he can take the reins.
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