EXCLUSIVE: Loans Manager Parry to leave Manchester United after 12 years

Former Manchester United Head of Performance Tony Strudwick, who worked with Parry until 2018, told TGG: “Les was a great personality and very good at his job. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and he leaves big shoes to fill.”

Today is Parry’s last day with the club and he has been saying goodbyes at the club’s Carrington Training Centre. 

After more than 20 years with his hometown club Tranmere Rovers, where had held a variety of different roles from Head of Sports Science and Medicine to First Team Manager. Parry joined United in 2013.

Initially he was their Elite Player Performance Manager, co-ordinating the work of physiotherapists, coaches and sports scientists in United’s youth and development squads, before focusing on loans.

He was effectively Loans Manager from 2018, although his job title did not officially change until 2022. Having spent many years in the lower tiers of English football, Parry had an excellent network of contacts and described the role as his “dream job”. 

Speaking after his appointment, he said:  “The people on the staff are brilliant. If I go into the canteen, Bobby Charlton or Alex Ferguson might walk in. It is my dream job, just the kind of role I was hoping to find after leaving Tranmere.”

United have undergone significant changes behind the scenes since INEOS took control of the sporting side of the club in December 2023. Omar Berrada arrived from Manchester City as Chief Executive, bringing former colleague Jason Wilcox from Southampton as Technical Director.

Dan Ashworth joined from Newcastle United as Sporting Director and there have been a host of departures, with Manager Erik ten Hag being the most recent and high-profile. 

Michael Appleton, the former United youth player who was sacked as Charlton Athletic Manager in January, has previously been linked with the Loans Manager position at Old Trafford.

United have consistently been one of the most productive Academies in English football and ranked third in our 2023/24 rankings.