Murtough becomes the latest senior executive to leave United following Ratcliffe’s arrival as a new investor. It’s understood Murtough agreed to step down after being told he would not be part of the club’s long-term future.
Murtough joined United in 2013 and was tasked with rebuilding the club’s football structure. He was promoted to director of football in 2021, but some of his transfer deals have been questioned by Ratcliffe and his sidekick Sir Dave Brailsford.
On Tuesday, Ratcliffe said in a club statement: “We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.” Joel Glazer, co-chairman of United, added: “After 11 years of tireless work for the club, John has mutually agreed with us that now is the right time to step aside and allow the new football leadership structure to be put in place.
He will always be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club.”
Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group now controls football operations at United following their purchase of a 27.7% stake in the club. Negotiations with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth are on-going, with United refusing to pay £20m in compensation.
The wholesale changes could also see Erik ten Hag sacked as manager at the end of the season. Ratcliffe wants to replace him with England boss Gareth Southgate, although the timing of luring him to Old Trafford remains a problem.
The fallen giants have taken just two points from their last three games, and Ratcliffe will not hesitate in sacking Ten Hag should United fail to secure a place in club football’s elite competition. Ratcliffe has also hired financial consultants Interpath to oversee a cost cutting exercise at United that will see up to 25 per cent of staff made redundant.
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*Who should United be targeting in the transfer market this summer?
