Manchester United are expected to keep Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment, according to reports.

The German was appointed to the position on a temporary basis last summer but the Manchester Evening News (MEN) claim that the Red Devils have decided to “make his position permanent”.

Vivell has had an eventful couple of years, having originally moved to England from RB Leipzig to become Chelsea’s technical director.

However, due to a power struggle at Stamford Bridge, the 38-year-old left the job just 19 months after taking up the role.

Vivell was out of work for a year before United picked him up in July to help lead their player recruitment.

United’s footballing department could face job losses

While Vivell’s job is safe, that is not the case for other members of the recruitment team. It is believed that up to 100 scouts and support staff could be let go as INEOS continue their cost-cutting.

Over 250 jobs have been lost already in other departments. The football side had been left alone until now but that is set to change over the coming weeks and months.

Ashworth may not be replaced

It has been confirmed that the Red Devils paid Dan Ashworth £4.1m in compensation when he was sacked back in December. The former Newcastle sporting director lasted just six months at Old Trafford before he was relieved of his duties.

Ashworth’s position has remained vacant since his departure but MEN report that a replacement is now unlikely to be sought. Chief Executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox have taken on most of the sporting director’s former responsibilities so there is no urgency to bring in an additional pair of hands on the recruitment side, especially with Vivell also staying put.

Read our exclusive interview with Gus Poyet as he discusses Ruben Amorim’s start to life at Old Trafford and whether Manchester United are in a relegation battle.