John Murtough looks set to leave Manchester United!

Jeremy Cross (Daily Star)

EXCLUSIVE:

Manchester United director John Murtough is poised to follow CEO Richard Arnold out the door ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds him responsible for United’s recent poor recruitment.

John Murtough will be the next director to leave Manchester United, as the Old Trafford cull gathers pace.

Earlier this week United announced CEO Richard Arnold was stepping down. And sporting director Murtough looks poised to follow him through the exit door, as sweeping boardroom changes continue.

Murtough became United's first ever football director when he was promoted to the role from his previous position as the club's head of football development. He was tasked with overseeing operations and strategy across all football functions at the club.

Murtough joined United in November 2013, having worked with David Moyes at Everton. Prior to that that he was head of elite performance at the Premier League, following senior academy and player development roles at other clubs.

Replacement Candidates Although Paul Mitchell is favourite:

Matt Law (Telegraph)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to take guidance from Sir Alex Ferguson as he prepares to undertake a radical overhaul of Manchester United.

While Dougie Freedman is admired by Sir Alex Ferguson, it is understood that Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, former AC Milan pair Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, and Atlético Madrid’s Andrea Berta are also under consideration to become Manchester United’s new sporting director!

Crystal Palace's sporting director, Dougie Freedman, stands as a strong candidate for a role at Old Trafford due to his enduring alliance with Ferguson. However, he's not the sole contender on Ratcliffe's radar.
Freedman's Relationship with Ferguson and Track Record

Freedman, once a neighbor of Ferguson in Cheshire, holds a strong rapport with Sir Alex dating back to 2011. His adeptness in deal-making, showcased through Palace's successful signings and arrangements, impresses Ferguson.
Profile of Considered Directors

Congerton, experienced in recruitment across various clubs, contrasts with the departure of Maldini and Massara from AC Milan due to reported disputes, despite their successful signings. Berta's successful tenure at Atletico Madrid adds weight to his consideration for a role at United.

Muppetiers

INEOS are not going to buy players for Erik ten Hag in January - they will buy players that fit their sporting direction.

Paul Mitchell last year: “Erik ten Hag is a top coach from Ajax but they need a top blueprint not only for now but for the next five years and work towards that… You have to know that, over that period, the consistency of the decision-making will yield a good end result”.

Mitchell remains the favorite for Sporting Director. Dialogue has already been regularly occurring, with assessment of the team, hierarchy and needs, as INEOS set up their “cabinet”.


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