Manchester United’s Football Director, John Murtough, is leaving the club after almost 11 years in various roles at Carrington. The club is currently reorganizing following Jim Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of a 25% stake in the club.
Ratcliffe, the chairman of INEOS, is keen on making changes to United’s recruitment operations. As part of this, the club is reportedly considering bringing in Dan Ashworth, the sporting director of Newcastle, and Jason Wilcox, the director of football at Southampton, as part of a new leadership team. Murtough’s departure has been described as a “mutual” decision.
A statement released by Manchester United said, “After 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.”
United co-chairman Joel Glazer added, “We 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.”
The club’s recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool leaves them sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa in the race for European football. However, United still have a chance to win a trophy this season after coming from behind to beat Liverpool 4-3 in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford, securing a last-four tie with second-tier Coventry.
© AFP
