Hunter promoted to Head of Academy Recruitment by Man Utd
Written by
Simon Austin
February 20, 2026
Manchester United have promoted Connor Hunter from National Scouting Manager to Head of Academy Recruitment, replacing Luke Fedorenko.
Last month Fedorenko departed United after nine years to become Head of Elite Talent for the agency Unique Sports Group. United had been in talks with Newcastle Head of Youth Recruitment Paul Midgley – who had worked with Director of Football Jason Wilcox at Manchester City – but he opted to remain in the North East.
The club then decided to promote from within, with Hunter stepping up from National Scouting Manager. He had joined United from Everton as Assistant Phase Scout in July 2017 and risen through the ranks, taking on a number of Academy scouting positions.
Hunter was Lead National Phase Scout for the Under-13s to 16s before taking on the National Scouting Manger role seven months ago.
United’s Academy Recruitment department has undergone significant change in recent months. Head of Local Academy Recruitment Callum Tongue left after two years to join Manchester City in October.
He was replaced by Ben Clarke, who stepped up from Pre-Academy Lead Scout.
Finn O’Leary, who had been Assistant Lead Phase Scout for the local area, left in September to return to Blackburn Rovers as Assistant Head of Academy Recruitment.
Other full-time staff in United’s Academy scouting recruitment department are:
- Stephen Ajewole: Lead National Scout
- Stephen Tierney: Local Talent Programme Manager
- Sam Williams: Lead 17-20 Scout
- Jamahl Jarrett: National Scout U13s to U16s
- Ben McFarlan: Academy Technical Scout
- Gary Riley: Lead Scout U6-U8
- Tony Parks: Academy Goalkeeping Scout
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