MANCHESTER UNITED have completed a major overhaul at the club by appointing John Murtough as their first Football Director.
And former player Darren Fletcher has also been given the new role of Technical Director.
Executive Vice-Chairman Ed 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.
“Darren’s stellar achievements as a player and his own journey from Academy to Premier League and Champions League winner means he naturally commands respect and understands this vital part of the club’s DNA.
“In this new role, the first in our history, he will deliver technical advice across all aspects of the football department as well as contributing to the communication and delivery of our football philosophy across all areas of the club.
“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.”
Woodward will take a step back from direct involvement in the transfer processes to give him more time to concentrate on his other responsibilities running the club.
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United have constantly been linked with former players to become their Football Director including Edwin van der Saar who has that role at Ajax.
The club wanted to make the appointment earlier but had resistance from former boss Jose Mourinho.
Murtough previously had the role of Head of Football Developemnt and has been at United for seven years.
He has 23 years of experience in the game having worked as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League and in senior academy and player development roles at other clubs.
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, 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, Casey and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”
Five-time title winner Fletcher was recently brought into the coaching bubble at United by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has impressed everyone with his work leading to the promotion.
Fletcher said: “It is 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 am looking forward to continuing to work with Ole and his coaching team, and now with John as the Football Director, to help bring young players through and further develop the football side of the club.
“It’s fantastic to see that all the staff here are driving Manchester United forward towards a new era of success.”
Matt Judge has been given a new title as Director of Football Operations although his role remains the same in terms of completing player acquisition and sales.
