Liverpool Target Manchester United Academy Coach for Under-18s Role

Liverpool are in advanced stages of acquiring the services of Manchester United academy coach Simon Wiles for their Under-18 team, replacing Marc Bridge-Wilkinson. A former midfielder, Wiles has donned the jerseys of Blackpool, Macclesfield Town, Dunfermline Athletic, Barrow, Chorley and Bamber Bridge before taking up managerial responsibility.

His tenure as a coach has seen him flourish across diverse age groups, emerging as a highly rated youth developer. His notable stints as the U18 coach of Fleetwood Town and caretaker manager at Salford City paved the way for him to be appointed the academy coach at Manchester United, opening the doors to Old Trafford.

After recently winning the English Premier League and ending Manchester City's long dominance in the English top flight, the Reds are keen to give a major boost to their youth development program as they eye appointing Simon Wiles for the under-18 role. Manchester United and Liverpool's rivalry has now extended beyond the football pitch.

How Bright is the Liverpool U-18 Talent Pool?

Anfield is set to witness some exciting new talents donning the Red jersey and entertaining the home crowd. Let us take a closer look at some of the brightest prospects in the Liverpool under-18 role, who can step in as the next Salah, Sadio Mane, Alisson, and Virgil van Dijk. 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made a move from Stamford Bridge to Anfield. He debuted in the FA Cup at just 16 and became Liverpool's youngest ever centre forward to start a game.

Trey Nyoni joined Liverpool from Leicester City in 2023. He made his presence felt in the FA Cup as well as the UEFA Champions League at an early age. The attacking midfield sensation, Bobby Clarke, has even scored in a European competition against Sparta Prague. He joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2021 and is a regular starter.

Looking at such bright talents among the Reds' youth setup, it will be crucial for Wiles to hone their skills and aid in their smooth transition into the senior team. The average age of Liverpool's squad is 27, and with many experienced players slowly fading away from their prime time, it will be important for young bloods to step in and carry forward the team's legacy of winning silverware across England and Europe.

A New Angle in the United-Liverpool Rivalry

What makes this potential transfer even more exciting is the symbolic shift. Not many coaches and players in recent history have dared to make a move from Old Trafford to Anfield or vice versa. Legendary icons like Michael Owen and Paul Ince were some notable names to tread along the less-travelled path.

All eyes will be on Simon Wiles if he can bring a revolution in the Liverpool youth setup with his tactical acumen and expertise coaching across diverse age groups.