Inside Man Utd’s new football director John Murtough 23-year career in the sport

John Murtough has been promoted to Football Director at Manchester United where he will work alongside Darren Fletcher as Technical Director and answer only to Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward.

Murtough will now have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions, working day-to-day with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as well as in recruitment.

However, Murtough is no stranger to United having worked at the club since 2013 – which has brought up his experience in football to an impressive 23 years across several different clubs.

Having been Head of Football Development at United, he also spent time as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League which followed senior academy and player development roles with other sides.

Murtough joined the club during the tenure of David Moyes, having been in charge of the academy at Everton having after a spell with fellow Premier League outfit Fulham.

He has now been tasked with ensuring that the first team has the ‘best-in-class operational support’ in a bid to get them back on top in both the Premier League and in Europe.

He has said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, Academy and Women’s team all performing strongly, and plenty of development still to come.

“It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United’s football department, working alongside Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], Casey [Stoney] and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”

Woodward said: “These are hugely important appointments that reinforce the progress we have been making as a club in recent years in our relentless pursuit of success.

“We have already made great strides forward in the way we run our football operations, and the benefits are visible in the resurgent pipeline of Academy talent reaching the first team and through our improved recruitment record.

“John has been integral to our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the club’s traditions of bringing young players through from Academy to first team will continue.

“This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game.”

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  • In addition, Fletcher has said that he is delighted to be taking on his new role as Technical Director, and he will be working closely with Murtough in all football and performance areas.

    Woodward added: “I am delighted that John and Darren have accepted these roles and I look forward to the contribution they will make, together with Ole and the rest of the staff, as we build toward future success.”

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