Manchester United 'snap up new coach' ahead of Erik ten Hag sack decision
Manchester United are reportedly set to snap up Simon Wiles from Salford City as their new under-16 coach.
Wiles had been serving as a first-team coach at Salford, the club owned by Class of 92 members Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. The 39-year-old stepped down last week with Salford announcing he would leave the club ‘for an opportunity with a Premier League club’.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon is now reporting that Wiles will take up a coaching role at Old Trafford to work with the club's youth setup. Wiles is a former midfielder who played for clubs including Blackpool and Macclesfield Town.
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Salford confirmed Wiles' departure at the end of September. He said at the time: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my return to the club, very grateful for Neil [Wood] bringing me back and I would like to thank the owners, staff and all the players I’ve worked with for their efforts. We’ve shared some memorable moments together which will stay with me as I move onto a new chapter."
Wiles' coaching experience includes a role as interim boss at Fleetwood Town and as caretaker at Salford last season. His arrival at United comes amid uncertainty over the long-term future of first-team manager Erik Ten Hag.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and other key figures at United held a meeting on Tuesday. On the agenda is an assessment of progress at first-team level, which will inevitably include a focus on Ten Hag's position.
The Dutchman is under pressure amid United's