Nick Cox set to leave United academy role to become Everton’s technical director

Jun 18, 2025 1 min read
Nick Cox is set to join Everton as technical director (Nick Potts/PA)
Nick Cox is set to join Everton as technical director (Nick Potts/PA)

Manchester United academy chief Nick Cox is set to become technical director at Everton, the PA news agency understands.

The Toffees are in the midst of a restructure under the Friedkin Group ownership and have headhunted the Red Devils’ director of academy for a role in their new set-up.

Cox is understood to have turned down a variety of other opportunities since moving to Old Trafford from Sheffield United in 2016, having received interest from Premier League, EFL and European clubs as well as governing bodies.

Nick Cox with former United academy chief Nicky Butt
Nick Cox with former United academy chief Nicky Butt (Simon Peach/PA)

A succession plan is under way at United and PA understands he will remain in the post for the coming months to ensure a smooth transition before his amicable exit for Everton.

Cox was promoted to head of academy in 2019 and has helped overhaul United’s fabled youth system, with the club winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022 as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo starred.

A widely respected figure in youth development, 27 academy players made their United debut during his time as head of the youth system.

United have sold around £100million of homegrown talent in the last three years and sell-on clauses mean that figure is expected to rise.

Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Football Mad! ⚽️.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Football Mad! ⚽️.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.