John Murtough’s departure from his role as Manchester United’s football director is a mutual agreement to allow a new football leadership structure to be implemented.. Murtough’s resignation was accepted last week and he’ll leave his role this week, which means the curtain will come down on 11 years spent in various positions at Old Trafford. The 53-year-old was appointed as United’s inaugural football director in March 2021, but felt it was the right time to step aside as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shake-up continues.. Ratcliffe said: âWe want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.â. ALSO READ: United football director Murtough set to leave Old Trafford. ALSO READ: United fans have made their feelings clear on Greenwood. Joel Glazer said: âAfter 11 years of tireless work for the club, John has mutually agreed with us that now is the right time to step aside and allow the new football leadership structure to be put in place. He will always be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club.â. Murtough’s responsibilities will eventually be assumed by Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, who is currently Southampton’s director of football. Wilcox is set to become United’s technical director and that would mean a new role for Darren Fletcher, who currently holds that position.. Murtough with Ten Hag after his appointment. (Image: 2022 Manchester United FC). Murtough joined the club from the Premier League 10 years ago. He was responsible for the appointment of Erik ten Hag and has played a key role in recruitment as football director. Recruitment has continued to be scrutinised during Murtough’s tenure but progress was made in other areas, such as selling academy graduates who don’t become first-team regulars.. He led the regeneration of the academy with Nick Cox, which included improving youth recruitment and infrastructure and was reflected in the 2021/22 FA Youth Cup success. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have become first-team starters this season and both of those players heavily contributed to that Youth Cup triumph.. United’s academy has become best-in-class again, partly due to Murtough’s influence and the milestone of the 250th youngster to make their senior bow will be reached imminently. Away from his involvement with the first-team and academy, Murtough led the creation of the clubâs first professional womenâs team in 2018, winning the Championship in their first season.. There have been significant improvements at Carrington, along with important appointments made across recruitment, sports medicine and data departments. United believe Murtough’s time has laid the groundwork for new leadership at Old Trafford to hit the ground running and he leaves the club with their best wishes.
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