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Michael Appleton reportedly turned down the chance to become Manchester United’s loans manager.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into the United, the INEOS billionaire has sought to implement a best-in-class footballing hierarchy to usher the club into a new era of success and glory.
The new United co-owner successfully brought in Dan Ashworth to assume a maiden sporting director role at Old Trafford, appointed Jason Wilcox to become the club’s technical director, lured Omar Berrada from Manchester City and made him CEO, and also hired Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment.
The new leadership group oversaw an extremely successful summer transfer window, which was significantly different from what supporters had become accustomed to under the ownership of the Glazer family.
The Red Devils appeared to move much faster in negotiating deals and also demonstrated some welcome ruthlessness in terms of getting rid of players deemed surplus to requirements.
A report covered by The Peoples Person in late July revealed that INEOS were eyeing yet another key appointment – Appleton in the role of loans manager.
It was stated that Appleton would arrive at United to replace Les Perry.
Appleton was at United as a kid before sealing a switch to Preston North End in 1997. He then joined West Brom, where he played for two years before finally hanging up his boots.
The Mail have given an update on Appleton and indicated that he “turned down the opportunity” to become United’s loans manager.
“Confidential understands that Appleton, who came through the youth system at United but never made a senior appearance for the club, wants to remain in coaching rather than move into a more administrative role.”
“United will still go ahead with a restructuring of the department that mainly oversees their young players going out on loan to other clubs, but Appleton will not be part of the process.”
Appleton was appointed as Charlton gaffer last September, eight months after being sacked by Blackpool. However, he didn’t last very long at Charlton as he was shown the exit door in January.
The 48-year-old has also previously taken charge of Portsmouth, Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn, Oxford, and Lincoln.
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