April 10 – Manchester United football director John Murtough has stepped down after more than 10 years in the role, with Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth set to be appointed as part of a restructuring at the club under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“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,” said Ratcliffe.
United co-chairman Joel Glazer added: “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. He will always be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club.”
Murtough will effectively be replaced by Ashworth once the Newcastle United sporting director’s spell of gardening leaves while Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox is on course to be named technical director.
Murtough joined United in 2013 after stints working for the Premier League, everton and Fulham. He performed a variety of roles before being made United’s first football director in 2021 and was central to the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager the following year.
His position is reported to have been under threat the moment it emerged last year that Ratcliffe would be handed control of football operations as part of his £1.03 billion deal with the Glazers for a minority stake in the club.
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