Manchester United reportedly loses the key person who helped the club sign “Next Neymar.” Academy recruiting director Luke Federenko is said to be approaching an exit that agreed to take Old Trafford’s new role. He has worked for the Red Devils since 2017, when it was drafted to help modernize the club’s academy system.
Federenko was the main player in JJ Gabriel’s signature. JJ Gabriel is already likened to Neymar at just 14 years old. Other young players, such as ChidoObi and Ayden Heaven, have developed well under Fedorenko’s guidance. He has also defended the use of data and video scouts during United.
According to Athletic, Federenko leaves the club after accepting an offer to work for “a major soccer agency.” He has become the latest behind the scenes figure to leave Old Trafford, and many changes have been made in recent months.
Academy boss Nick Cox, who previously worked with Federenko at Sheffield United, recently left to become Everton’s technical director. He was replaced by former Brentford figure Stephen Torpy.
The report added that United did not want Federenko to leave the club, but his exit would give Torpie the opportunity to shape his own leadership team.
Meanwhile, Paul Brand, head of performance analysis, told the Red Devils that he would leave earlier this year. He has been in a role at UEFA ever since, but continued until his replacement, Ben Parker, began work at United on Monday.
The club chiefs are looking to turn their fortunes after a difficult start to the season, and are hoping for extensive changes to guide them through a new era.
United have returned to winning ways by beating Sunderland over the weekend, but speculation remains that without permanent improvements, Reuben Amorim could be free from his duties.
Last week, the Red Devils manager said it was “naive” to think they would be allowed to continue such a scenario.
“We understand that we need results to continue the project,” Amorim said. “This is a very big club with a lot of sponsors and a very big club with two owners, so it reaches a point that is impossible for anyone. So the balance is really difficult.
“I am the manager of the club, I am a big club and it is the media that directs what I am trying to do, I can’t do that, I can’t keep it.
“My biggest problem is when I say that our team’s problem is a system, my players believe in you (the media) and I get hooked on it because I can see the team.
“This team has been playing in a different system for many years. And you were talking about a lack of identity. It’s not a system. It’s a small detail, how you play the game.”
