Manchester United Reportedly Hire 50 New Scouts in Major Transfer Revamp

Manchester United are said to be leaving no stone unturned in their bid to find the next generation’s football superstar, with 50 new scouts recruited to work around the world.

As reported by Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have made the appointments as a consequence of a thorough review into their scouting process. The self-assessment suggested there were a lack of talent-spotters across the globe, although now United will have a scout on every continent.

“Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward sanctioned the move after identifying the need for expansion and strengthening across the board, and the club now has more than one pair of eyes in key countries,” added Gaughan.

According to Dutch newspaper AD (h/t Gaughan) Marcel Bout, who scouted opponents during the tenure of former boss Louis van Gaal, has been promoted to work with chief scout Jim Lawlor. Nicky Butt, head of the club’s academy, will also play a role in incomings, as United seek to lure the game’s best young prospects to Old Trafford.

Given just how widespread and in-depth football analysis has become, finding an edge in scouting can be difficult for the best clubs. And it seems—despite their status as one of the game's most lucrative sporting institutions—United are still keen to acquire some hidden gems.

It’s a process that previously worked for legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who, despite spending big money on marquee stars, always had an eye for a bargain. The likes of Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez may not have been household names or cost a significant amount, but they all enjoyed tremendous spells at Old Trafford.

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Paul Pogba was also drafted into the club’s youth setup in 2009 and went on to achieve remarkable feats with Juventus after leaving United in 2012; he was re-signed by the Red Devils in the summer for a world-record fee as one of the best midfielders in world football.

The club has some bright young talent they’ve isolated through shrewd recruitment too, with 16-year-old sensation Angel Gomes currently the crown jewel of the academy.

United have also plucked burgeoning stars from afar, with the versatile Timothy Fosu-Mensah lured from Ajax in 2014; he's pushing for a spot in Jose Mourinho's first team despite being just 18 years old.