John Murtough already eyed Man Utd change to make them more like Liverpool
John Murtough set out to appoint a data scientist at Manchester United in a bid to recreate the success of rivals Liverpool back in October of 2020.
The former head of football development, who was named as their new Football Director on Wednesday, has been at the club since 2013 following spells with Fulham, Everton and the Premier League.
His promotion is a display of trust from executive vice chairman Ed Woodward, with Murtough now having overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across football functions.
Murtough joined the club during the tenure of David Moyes, having been in charge of the academy at Everton after a spell with Fulham, and he was in charge of a big change in strategy last year.
According to a report from The Athletic in October, United were looking to appoint a data scientist.
They added that then Head of football development Murtough had drawn up a shortlist of candidates, which was going to be considered by both Woodward and owner Joel Glazer.
The research unit would have drawn similarities to arch-rivals Liverpool, who hired Dr Ian Graham to help improve their record on injury prevention and conditioning.
United were expected to make their decision within a month, but today’s changes could be a sign that a different plan went ahead with Darren Fletcher promoted to Technical Director.
Woodward said of the changes that have been announced: “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.
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“This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game.”
Before adding: “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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