The Red Devils have announced that they have advertised internally for the two new positions created at the club.
Manchester United have confirmed that a football director and technical director have undergone a change that will change the way the club negotiates moves.
The posts have been widely debated and rumored for a while, with a list of big names in the game linked to the posts, although the club has confirmed that they have progressed from within.
John Murtough, who has been with United for seven years and is currently head of football development, will be the new football director while Darren Fletcher, who joined Ole staff, will join Earlier in the season, Gunnar Solskjaer, the technical director.
What was said?
Government vice-chairman Woodward said: “These are very important roles which reinforce the progress we have made as a club over the last few years as we seek unwavering success. stad.
“We have already made significant progress in the way we run our football activity, and the benefits can be seen in the revitalizing pipeline of academy talent reaching the first team. and through our revised recruitment program.
“John has been at the heart of our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures that the club’s traditions of taking young players through from the academy to the first team continue. This new position is a natural evolution that uses its leadership qualities and years of experience in the game.
“Darren’s distinguished achievements as a player and his own journey from the academy to the Premier League and the winner of the Champions League mean that he naturally commands respect and understanding this vital part of the club’s DNA.
“In this new role, the first in our history, he will deliver technical advice across all sides of the football division as well as contributing to the communication and delivery of our football philosophy across all areas of the club. .
“I am delighted that Iain and Darren have taken on these roles and I look forward to helping them, along with Ole and the rest of the staff, as we build on future success. “
Murtough said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, academy and women’s team all performing strongly, with plenty still to come.
“It is an honor to be part of that process, and an honor to lead Manchester United’s football division, working with Ole, Casey [Stoney, women’s team head coach] and so many other unique staff who are all committed to delivering success for this club. “
Fletcher said of the role: “It’s great to be back with the club and I am delighted to be taking on this new role. We are moving in the right direction and I look forward to working with Ole and his coaching staff, and now with John as the football director, to take young players through and develop the football side of the club.
“It is fantastic to see all the staff here leading Manchester United into a new era of success. “
What do the new posts involve?
When United are negotiating moves in their current approach Matt Judge is in charge of most of the talks and, while acting vice-chairman Ed Woodward is partially involved, he is not. played an active part in the negotiations.
The Judge has been given a new title as director of football negotiations but his role within the club remains the same. Murtough and Fletcher, meanwhile, will be in attendance at the training ground and will work with Solskjaer on a day-to-day basis on recruitment and other strategies.
United midfielder Fletcher will support Murtough on the technical side using his previous playing knowledge and experience, with a view to supporting the recruitment process.
Who is John Murtough?
Murtough was brought to the club by David Moyes and has been at Old Trafford for seven years, working mostly at academy level.
His current title is Head of Football Development and his 23 years of experience in senior football has been a leader in elite performance at the Premier League before moving to United. He has also held senior academy and player development positions at other clubs.
He was the driving force behind the establishment of the women’s team and has been at the heart of the revival in academy-level recruitment in recent years, in which the club has brought in the youngest talent. best from abroad.