John Murtough will leave Manchester United as senior off-field changes proceed under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Murtough, who was appointed United’s first-ever director of football in 2021, is stepping down as United pursue Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to take over from him.
Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle, where he’s sporting director, however the two clubs have thus far been unable to agree on a salary that will allow the previous FA technical director to move to Old Trafford.
United also made a suggestion to Southampton for Wilcox, Manchester City’s sporting director and former head of Manchester City’s academy, who can be set to develop into Old Trafford’s latest technical director, although once more no compensation deal has been agreed.
Ratcliffe, co-owner of United, said: “We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years and for his support and integrity during this transition. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.”
Co-chairman Joel Glazer added: “After 11 years of tireless service to the club, John has agreed with us that now could be the suitable time to step down and permit a brand new football leadership structure to be introduced. He will at all times be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club.
Since Ratcliffe agreed to take a 27.7 percent stake in United, the club has hired Omar Berrada as chief executive, although he can be on gardening leave before leaving Manchester City.
Murtough is a preferred figure on the club. Some thought Murtough might remain in a special or reduced position, but he’s leaving by mutual consent. United want Darren Fletcher, the present technical director, to remain but in a special role.
In the meantime, day-to-day management shall be handled by the present football management team, which incorporates deputy director of football Andy O’Boyle, director of player negotiations Matt Hargreaves, director of football operations David Harrison and director of academy Nick Cox, and Sir Dave Brailsford supervises them from the conference room
Murtough was joined by United in 2014 by David Moyes after working with him at Everton and rose through the ranks to develop into director of football in 2021. He has signed quite a few senior figures to the club, including O’Boyle, Hargreaves, Harrison and Polly Bancroft, who was head of ladies’s football until her recent departure.
Murtough was credited with revitalizing United’s academy, helping Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho break into the primary team and the club winning the 2022 FA Youth Cup.
He was instrumental in appointing Erik ten Hag as manager and providing support to the Dutchman during United’s slump in the primary half of the season. However, United’s record within the transfer market has come under scrutiny as they spent £400m under Ten Hag to mixed returns.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
