Christopher Vivell and Manchester United’s Recruitment Reset

Christopher Vivell’s appointment as temporary Director of Global Talent at Manchester United in July 2024 signalled a departure from the club’s previous recruitment approach. As part of the INEOS-backed overhaul, he has played a key role in redefining the scouting operation, steering United toward a data-informed, future-focused strategy aligned with Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision.

Following the 2024 summer window, a number of signings and targets have emerged that reflect the recruitment pathway Vivell has helped shape:

▫️ Sekou Koné
▫️ Patrick Dorgu
▫️ Diego Leon
▫️ Ayden Heaven
▫️ Matheus Cunha
▫️ Bryan Mbeumo
▫️ Benjamin Šeško
▫️ Cristian Orozco
▫️ Senne Lammens

An important part of the story is that Vivell allegedly accepted a lower salary when he transitioned into the permanent Director of Recruitment role in February 2025. That decision was viewed as a sign of how committed he is to United’s wider project.

Before joining Manchester United, Vivell had built an extensive reputation as one of Europe’s most respected recruitment specialists. He spent over a decade within the Red Bull football network, most notably as Technical Director at RB Salzburg and later at RB Leipzig, where he played a central role in identifying and developing elite talents such as Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Dayot Upamecano. His work there was defined by data-led scouting, aggressive youth recruitment and clear squad planning. Vivell later joined Chelsea in 2022 as Technical Director, gaining experience inside a Premier League club undergoing structural change, before departing in 2023. That background, combining elite talent identification, global scouting networks and experience within modern multi-club and Premier League environments, positioned him well to take on a key role in Manchester United’s recruitment rebuild.

Vivell has been credited with driving United’s recent interest in rising prospects such as 19-year-old AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit as well as German players Angelo Stiller and Karim Adeyemi of which he has close connections from his time in Germany. Looking at these players as options for United simply reinforces his focus on sustainable squad building and future planning.
Reports suggest Manchester United are now also targeting 17-year-old LDU Quito midfielder Ederson Castillo, continuing a trend of recruiting young South American midfielders. The move inevitably invites scrutiny over the club’s long-term plan; is this about building a future core, or simply accumulating assets at the risk of overcrowding and stalled development?

There is a mild concern that the current recruitment model may be drifting too far toward a profit-driven approach. The volume of young signings (particularly midfielders) suggests a system geared toward asset accumulation rather than clear first-team integration. While this mirrors elements of the Red Bull or City-style pathways, critics argue that such a model risks prioritising resale value over genuine progression, potentially blocking academy routes for existing talents and creating congestion in key positions.
If too many players are brought in with limited intent to develop them into first-team contributors, the strategy begins to resemble a trading operation rather than a footballing one, raising valid questions about sustainability for a club aiming to compete at the very top of the Premier League. It is a concern already voiced around Chelsea under Clearlake ownership, where aggressive youth recruitment has often appeared driven more by future resale value than immediate sporting impact.

While opinions among supporters may differ, Vivell’s influence on United’s recruitment points toward a genuine long-term vision. Despite the ongoing debate, the foundations being built suggest a more organised and forward-thinking future than the club has experienced in recent years. And it’s about time!