By Adedapo Adesanya
English football giants, Manchester United Football Club, have restructured key managerial positions with the promotion of John Murtough to Football Director and Darren Fletcher to Technical Director.
The club in a statement released on Wednesday and seen by Business Post said the two new roles will further strengthen the football outfit’s operations.
In his capacity, Mr Murtough will have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions, reinforcing the strong foundations already in place.
Manchester United further said the new Football Director would build on past experience and work closely with the club’s manager, Mr Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the rest of the football staff to create the structures, processes and culture to deliver sustained success on the pitch. This has included successful overhauls of the club’s Academy and recruitment department.
As for Mr Fletcher, he will work closely with Mr Murtough to add technical input and direction into all football and performance areas.
This means, he will focus on a coordinated and long-term approach to player and squad development, helping maintain the integral link between the Academy and the first team, which align with Manchester United’s values and culture.
“As Football Director, John will work day-to-day with Ole to align recruitment and other strategies and to ensure that the first team has the best-in-class operational support it needs to succeed.
“Ole will continue his role in the recruitment process, supported by extensive scouting and data analytics functions that will continue to report to John. Matt Judge will also report to John, with a new title of Director of Football Negotiations,” a part of the statement said.
Speaking on this, Mr Ed Woodward, Manchester United Executive Vice-Chairman, 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 all these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the club’s traditions of bringing young players through from Academy to the 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.”
Commenting on his new role, Mr 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.”
Adding his input, Mr 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.”
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Dipo Olowookere