Man Utd fear losing highly-rated academy chief Justin Cochrane amid interest from Premier League rivals

MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly risk losing highly-rated academy chief Justin Cochrane.

A number of Premier League clubs are claimed to be targeting the 40-year-old for a first-team position.

Getty

Man Utd academy chief Justin Cochrane is a target for a number of Premier League rivals[/caption]

Cochrane joined United last summer and has overseen the teams from U17 to U23 level in his role as head of player development and coaching.

The Red Devils won the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2011 last month in Cochrane’s first season in the position.

And a number of Prem teams have taken notice of Cochrane’s efforts, according to the Mail.

He is understood to be in line for a first-team role if he does leave United.

Cochrane joined the academy setup at the club last summer after spending time coaching Tottenham and England’s youth sides.

He has been praised for the impact he has had on players and coaches at United.

Neil Wood has already left his role as U23s coach to become first-team boss at Salford City.

Meanwhile Neil Ryan has left to join the FA after being an assistant with the U23s.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

As a player Cochrane was capped at international level by Antigua and Barbuda, and spent time with both QPR and Millwall.

After retiring Cochrane held positions coaching Spurs from U12 right up to U23 level before joining the England setup.

He was responsible for developing the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett, Noni Madueke and Marcus Edwards during his time in North London.

And Cochrane’s background in academy setups is desirable to a number of teams, who are eager to tap in to his expertise of working with youngsters.