Paul Heckingbottom took over as United's football manager in late November 2021, signing a long-term deal.

The title of football manager was discussed at the press conference upon the announcement with the board explaining that Heckingbottom's personal leadership qualities and technical football skills were essential to successfully implement the board's strategic directives, sharing the values and interest in player development. It was also announced that Heckingbottom would play a leading role in improving all aspects of football operations.

Highly-qualified and respected by the board, Heckingbottom served as United's caretaker manager in 2020/21, winning three fixtures in the Premier League. He was also successful in leading the club's U23s prior to succeeding Slaviša Jokanović and guided United to a fifth-place finish in the 2021/22 campaign. The 2022/23 campaign was a successful one though, with Heckingbottom guiding United back to the Premier League at the second attempt,

As a player, he chalked up almost 500 appearances as a professional, most notably with Darlington, Barnsley and Bradford City after beginning his career with Manchester United. After hanging up his boots, he managed Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian before arriving at Bramall Lane.