Lead National Scout U14-U18 in Stretford

The Lead National Scout will play a key role in identifying and recruiting high-potential young players for the Manchester United Academy. Working closely with the Head of Academy Recruitment and the wider scouting team, the successful candidate will lead elements of the national scouting process, contribute to recruitment decision‑making, and develop comprehensive knowledge of youth players across the UK and Ireland within the U14–U18 age groups.

Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the national scouting process, collaborating with academy scouts to identify, track, recommend, and support the recruitment of players for the Academy.
• Play an integral role in the decision‑making process regarding Academy player acquisitions.
• Develop an in‑depth understanding of players within the U14–U18 age groups across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
• Work with the Head of Academy Recruitment, Senior UK Scouting & Recruitment Manager, and fellow Lead National Scouts to build and maintain a comprehensive domestic player knowledge database.
• Deliver key information and content to the Head of Academy Recruitment, including recruitment briefs, succession plans, target lists, squad reviews, and football presentations.
• Assist in coordinating and cross‑checking scouting coverage and reports across all regions to ensure complete monitoring of competitions and talent pools.
• Collaborate with other Lead National Scouts and Casual Scouts to share intelligence on players who move between regions and age groups.
• Compile and maintain Target Lists, Monitor Lists, and Market Depth Lists for potential Academy players locally and nationally.
• Produce written scouting reports from both live and video‑based analysis of players.
• Develop strong knowledge and informed opinions on players within the club’s scouting database, including both external prospects and current Academy players.
• Support the development and performance of Casual Scouts, contributing to their progression and effectiveness.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of Premier League and EFL regulations, including transfer rules, squad composition, and EPPP guidelines relating to compensation and player movement.
• Represent the club positively in the market when engaging with agents, clubs, federations, and key football contacts.

The Person

Professional Experience

• Significant experience in academy recruitment and youth talent identification.
• Proven ability to contribute effectively within a collaborative recruitment decision‑making process.
• Experience using scouting and player identification platforms such as Hudl, Eyeball, and Wyscout.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Extensive football knowledge and ability to identify players against defined player profiles.
• Strong understanding of Premier League Academy rules and Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) standards.
• Knowledge of youth player profiling across technical, tactical, physical, and psycho‑social attributes.
• Awareness of diversity, equality, and inclusion considerations within football recruitment.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent relationship‑building skills with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and mentoring ability, particularly in supporting and guiding scouts.
• Outstanding communication skills including report writing, presenting, and stakeholder engagement.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism while representing the club’s values.

Qualifications

• FA Talent ID Level 3 (or currently working towards).
• FA Safeguarding Certification.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Our Values

• Earn the badge, every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club.
• Be bold, be brave, and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what’s right for the club, even when it’s hard.
• Embark the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion, and fight back, no matter what.

What We Offer

• Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.
• Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme.
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+.
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners.
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team‑building activities.
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies.
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs.
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth.

Our Commitment to You

We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.