Ed Woodward’s demand to new football director John Murtough after Man Utd appointment

Ed Woodward has tasked new football director John Murtough with leading Manchester United’s charge in their “relentless pursuit of success”.

Murtough, who joined the club in 2013, will lead the club’s overall football strategy after being appointed to his new position on Tuesday.

He had previously been United’s Head of Development and was heavily involved in the club;’s overhaul of its academy and recruitment departments.

With overall leadership and responsibility for the strategy of United’s men’s and women’s teams, he will now be the first point of contact with rival clubs when United are looking to buy or sell players.

As such, his appointment means executive vice-chairman Woodward will now be less involved in transfers at Old Trafford.

Matt Judge, the club’s most prominent transfer fixer during Woodward’s tenure, has been handed the new title of Director of Football Negotiations, and will continue to see the process of negotiating deals and contract renewals.

John Murtough (L) and Darren Fletcher pose after being named Football Director and Technical Director of Manchester United (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag) Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles

The recruitment department will decide on targets with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer retaining the final say.

Fletcher, who was appointed to Solskjaer’s coaching staff at the start of the year, will work closely with both Murtough and Solskjaer.

His main focus will be on the long-term development of the squad, including links between the senior setup and the Academy structure.

United chief Ed Woodward (Image: PA)

United 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.

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“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.

“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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