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"Today is Nick Cox's last day. How on earth that has been allowed to happen is beyond me," read a text from a contact.

Cox has departed Manchester United after nine years of service, six of which were spent as head of the academy.

In that time, Cox played a pivotal role in United's academy renaissance, helped 35 players make their senior debuts, secured top youth signings and oversaw an FA Youth Cup triumph.

Cox already had a foot through the exit door when the Under-21s played at Old Trafford in midweek, but he is understood to have followed the game. He would have smiled as the youngsters scored a last-minute winner at the Stretford End . That is the kind of experience he spoke so warmly about.

United are losing an integral cog in their academy. Cox has joined Ev

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