John Murtough, Manchester United’s director of football, will depart from the team this week after resigning from his position.
The Englishman joined United in 2013, after working with Fulham and Everton, and impressed during his work with the academy and United’s scouting departments.
That earned him a promotion in 2016 to ‘head of football development, and he became United’s first ever director of football in 2021.
While the first team promotions of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and the thriving academy has earned him credit, Murtough has been criticized for his handling of United’s transfer policy.
He was instrumental in the appointment of Erik ten Hag, but culpable for the club’s misguided transfer policy that bent to the Dutchman’s will.
United had considered keeping Murtough in a new position, but he has chosen to step down.
That’s in no small part down to the fact that Dan Ashworth is set to effectively take his current role.
United had hoped that Murtough would at least stay until the end of the season, but he has chosen to step down.
United are negotiating with Newcastle to release Ashworth from his position at St James’ Park.
Jason Wilcox, the Southampton director, is likely to join sooner but he will be a technical director that feeds into Ashworth.
Richard Arnold, the club’s CEO since 2021, resigned following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial takeover.
He is to be replaced by Omar Berrada, of Manchester City.
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