Manchester United Women’s Recruitment Head Moves to Utah Royals
Manchester United Women’s head of player recruitment, Harvey Bussell, will be departing the club to join the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Utah Royals. Bussell, who took on his current role in June 2023 after originally joining United in October 2022 from Millwall, is set to leave at the end of the summer transfer window.
During his tenure, Bussell orchestrated key signings, including Brazil forward Geyse, Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa, World Cup champion Irene Guerrero, and a number of other international talents. Despite his efforts, United only managed one signing this summer: 27-year-old Swedish midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme. Several of the players brought in under Bussell have since departed, alongside notable exits such as former club captain Katie Zelem and USWNT standout Mary Earps.
United had a successful run last season, finishing third in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and preparing for Women’s Champions League qualification next month. Bussell’s recent collaboration with director of football Jason Wilcox focused on establishing a data team to enhance recruitment strategies.
His departure is part of a larger shakeup in United’s backroom staff. Several key figures have left this summer, including assistant coach Charlotte Healy, who has taken over as head coach at Bristol City, and goalkeeping coach Ian Willcock, who has joined the Canada Women’s national team.
Bussell’s new role at Utah Royals, currently languishing at the bottom of the NWSL standings, reflects the club’s intention to rejuvenate its roster following high-profile player sales, such as USWNT star Ally Sentnor for a record intra-league transfer fee of $600,000.
As Bussell transitions, both Manchester United and Utah Royals will be looking to navigate significant changes in their squads.
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