Manchester United have announced the departure of John Murtough as part of the restructuring led by INEOS, which has acquired 25 per cent of the club.
After around 11 years in charge of the club’s professional football, Murtough doesn’t fit in with the restructuring plans. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of INEOS, is putting trusted people in key positions to revitalise the club. Dan Ashworth will replace Murtough, coming from Newcastle, while Jason Wilcox will take over as technical director, coming from Southampton.
Murtough joined Manchester United in 2013, working in the academy and prospect department. In 2016, he was promoted to head of football development, and in 2021, he became the first director of football in the club’s history, overseeing both the men’s and women’s teams. He is credited with supporting the hiring of Erik ten Hag in 2022 and bringing in players who contributed to the Dutch coach’s vision for the club.
John Murtough is to step down from his position as Football Director of Manchester United and leave the club after almost 11 years in a variety of roles at Carrington.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 9, 2024