Manchester United’s overhaul this year hasn’t just stopped with first-team appointments and transfers – it’s stretched deep into the club’s coaching structure, including the academy setup.
After Erik ten Hag’s exit in October 2024, Ruben Amorim introduced an entirely new backroom staff.
A rejig, where he replaced nearly all of the Dutchman’s old team with coaches from Sporting CP.
Further down the ranks, Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Darren Fletcher for a more active role at youth level, with the former midfielder now in charge of the club’s U18s following Adam Lawrence’s departure.
Other changes included the introduction of promising youth coach Simon Wiles, who arrived last September after a senior stint at Salford City, to manage United’s U14s.
Wiles was widely viewed as a key part of the new youth development strategy at Carrington – but he’s now officially departed.
Liverpool have officially confirmed via their website, the appointment of Simon Wiles as their new U18s head coach.
The Englishman will now be succeeding Marc Bridge-Wilkinson at Kirkby.
The 40-year-old joins from United’s academy after previous coaching experience at Fleetwood Town, Blackpool, and Salford City, where he also took charge of the first team on an interim basis.
LFC Academy director Alex Inglethorpe praised the appointment, calling Wiles “a highly regarded young coach” and describing him as an “outstanding candidate.”
Most notably, due to his combined youth and senior experience.
Wiles will be assisted by Anthony Ryan, recently promoted from Liverpool’s U15s, and will work closely with new U21s head coach Rob Page.
Having been linked with the role earlier this month, Wiles now joins a growing list of figures to cross the divide between United and Liverpool.
He will face Fletcher’s United side in the U18 Premier League in the coming years.
