Manchester United appoint new transfer negotiator ahead of summer window

Manchester United announced earlier this year that Matt Hargreaves would be joining the club as their new director of football negotiations.

After serving a notice period with sportswear brand Adidas, Hargreaves has officially started in his role at the club this week, just a few days before the summer transfer window opens.

Hargreaves replaces Matt Judge, who resigned from the position 14 months ago. Judge wasn’t involved in last summer’s transfer window, when United appointed Tom Keane in a temporary role to oversee negotiations.

With a background in law, Hargreaves brings extensive experience in sports marketing to the table. He worked at Adidas for 14 years, starting as a legal counsel before spending the last six years as sports marketing director for North Europe.

Hargreaves is also a United fan and has worked at the club previously, having briefly been seconded into the legal department in 2008.

Hargreaves’ start date is timely given the transfer window opens tomorrow (Wednesday). United’s new director of football negotiations will have to hit the ground running with several positions in the team needing strengthening.

Manager Erik ten Hag has identified a striker and central midfielder as top priorities this summer, with Mason Mount being touted as the club’s top target for the latter position.

In addition, a goalkeeper, defender, and younger forward are also wanted, but funding these moves will require cash to be raised by player sales.

Hargreaves’ appointment continues the restructuring of the football department at Manchester United under football director John Murtough.

Andy O’Boyle has been appointed as his deputy, with David Harrison head of football operations and Dominic Jordan director of data science.

With a team of experienced professionals in place, Hargreaves will be tasked with negotiating deals that will help the club achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.

Manchester United fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the summer transfer window and the impact that Hargreaves can have in shaping the future of the club.