Manchester United make further changes to academy structure

Manchester United are set to appoint Crystal Palace Academy Performance Director and Head of Operations Steve Higham.

The experienced administrator is to take up the role of academy secretary after stepping down at Selhurst Park.

Higham worked with Palace for 18 months after positions with the Premier League and Everton.

He becomes the the latest in a series of changes to the club’s structure.

United have already appointed a new club secretary, Rebecca Britain, who was recruited from Tottenham at the end of the last season.

Jose Mourinho has also made significant changes to his backroom team, following long-time assistant Rui Faria’s decision to walk away.

Michael Carrick has been handed a coaching role after retiring as a player, while Kieran McKenna has been promoted from his position as under 18s manager.

Fitness coach Stefano Rapetti is also joining Mourinho’s backroom team after working with him at Inter Milan.

United have also made changes to their scouting network over the past 12 months, with the appointment of Javier Ribalta from Juventus.

Higham focused on Elite Player Performance with the FA and was given the responsibility of finding Palace a permanent home for their academy, which is set to be announced.

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