The departure of John Murtough as the football director of Manchester United has caused uncertainty among senior staff members regarding their future with the club under the new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Murtough’s departure was officially confirmed on Tuesday, which comes as no surprise due to United’s intention to appoint Dan Ashworth as the new director of football, pending compensation agreement with Newcastle. The club is also in negotiations with Southampton to bring in Jason Wilcox as the new technical director, replacing Darren Fletcher, who is still sought after for a new role by United.
In the midst of Ratcliffe’s reorganization at the club, United has already recruited Omar Berrada from Manchester City as the replacement for chief executive Richard Arnold. The mutual agreement for Murtough’s departure was announced on Tuesday.
Acknowledging Murtough’s more than a decade-long dedication to the club, Ratcliffe expressed gratitude, stating, “We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition.”
Despite Murtough’s involvement in significant spending on new signings and the development of United’s academy, Ratcliffe is concentrating on enhancing recruitment and the football operation in line with the investment from Ineos in the club.
Murtough’s deputy, Andy O’Boyle, along with other key figures, will oversee the football operation under Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford until the appointments of Ashworth and Wilcox are finalized. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of some senior staff members, as changes are anticipated once Ashworth assumes his role in the summer.
Brailsford has been evaluating all departments for months, and Ratcliffe has enlisted the services of a consultancy firm to reduce costs, which may result in job losses. Murtough had previously worked with Moyes at Everton and initially served as United’s academy manager. He was subsequently promoted to the role of director of development in 2016 and was appointed football director in 2021.
Murtough’s departure is part of a wider reorganization of United’s football operations, with Wilcox and Ashworth expected to play a more integrated role with a greater emphasis on data. While United have submitted a formal offer for Wilcox, negotiations with Southampton are ongoing.
Ratcliffe has underscored the complexity of the task at hand and the necessity of appointing the right individuals to bring about a turnaround. With impending changes and key positions yet to be filled, uncertainty hangs over the future of the senior staff at Manchester United.
Moreover, midfielder Scott McTominay’s knee injury sustained during last week’s defeat against Chelsea has raised doubts about his availability for the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Coventry at Wembley.