'Never did I see' - Alan Shearer admits surprise at key Manchester United appointment

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has admitted he was surprised at Jason Wilcox's appointment as Manchester United technical director.

The 53-year-old departed his position at Championship side Southampton last week as the hierarchical restructure at Old Trafford continues. Since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United have appointed Omar Berrarda as chief executive and have set their sights on Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth.

Both Berrarda and Wilcox worked together at Manchester City but have reunited at Old Trafford. The 53-year-old was a left winger during his professional playing career, where he won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1994/95.

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Shearer was a teammate of Wilcox prior to his move to St James' Park, and speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he expressed his surprise at his former teammate taking up a senior position at United.

He said: "Never did I see him going into that, he was a great lad, he was the guy that everyone looked to in the morning to have a smile on their face because he was bright and energetic.

"Never did I see him at the helm of Manchester United being the director of football, or whatever his title is. But delighted for him, he was one hell of a footballer at Blackburn but didn’t see him (going to that position) at all."

After reaching an agreement with Southampton, Wilcox will immediately take up the position of technical director at Old Trafford. Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by the Magpies after expressing his desire to leave the North East.