The Liverpool-born football expert has been closely working with MUFC since 2016. OBoyle is a former academy coach, who was most recently Head of Elite Performance with the Premier League. Fans were incensed at the thought of a breakaway league. But why now? The mid-season blunder was a costly mistake as it now leaves the club in the Europa League, and unable to attract big stars. Absolutely love the John Murtough and Darren Fletcher news. Continuity and fresh ideas." Be the first to read breaking news, the best sports coverage & top entertainment stories. Murtough has been playing the long game to not give into player or agents demands. He arranged that trip through Paul Mitchell, then Leipzig's head of recruitment and. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. With previous reports that United chiefs ignored Rangnicks January shopping list it is easy to see why he would feel that support was not forthcoming. Some sources say Arnold hit pause on January signings because of the uncertainty over the next manager and the recruitment strategy, although United insiders insist the club never had any plans to do anything in the winter window apart from to trim the squad, with the focus entirely on the summer. By the end of Rangnicks tenure, the pair were not even on speaking terms. John has been integral to our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the clubs traditions of bringing young players through from academy to first team will continue. Murtough is United's new football director Whilst the substituted Bruno Fernandes was stewing in the home dressing room and Manchester United were preparing their damage limitation battle plan. 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., Can United mount a title challenge? Overseen by Murtough, United pumped extra money into their academy having fallen behind Manchester City at attracting local talent. Exploring another try for Bellingham, now at Borussia Dortmund, may come onto Murtoughs desk in his new role. The pair are looking closely at Ajax, with Antony another top target. That kind of mentality will sit well with the fans. Prior to that that he was head of elite. The United board tapped Richard Arnold as the next CEO, and this was just the start. The Red Devils are now carrying a major rebuild after a horrible 2021/2022 season finishing 6th position with only 58 points. Last August, Woodward was on the phone to superagent Jorge Mendes in his neighbour Gary Linekers garden to arrange Cristiano Ronaldos return to the club after 12 years with Real Madrid and then Juventus. Manchester United's decision to make John Murtough their first football director surprised many but the club's former Head of Development has played a key role in improving the club's academy . To support him in the new role, the club also announced that ex-United star Darren Fletcher will assist him as the inaugural technical director. [Explained: John Murtough and Darren Fletchers new roles at Manchester United], [Related: Manchester United name Murtough football director, with Fletcher given new role], [Nicky Butts Manchester United departure influenced by John Murtough appointment]. He previously served as the Premier Leagues head of elite performance before. He has served as director of development and strategic advisor at the club. The age group appearing in this seasons FA Youth Cup shows the first wave of that investment. The new roles mean Woodward's involvement in transfers will be reduced. He has overseen the biggest ever overhaul of transfer operations at Old Trafford but has always insisted that focus has been on evolution rather than revolution. He spent much of his summer addressing these concerns and Uniteds women, under Marc Skinner, who was appointed in July, are fourth in the Super League table and getting closer to appointing a technical director. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Who is John Murtough? In addition to a strong background in wolf advocacy, John's experience in wildlife rehabilitation and restoration comes from having spent nearly a year living in Belize with injured and orphaned primates and working with local communities to promote their reintroduction and protection. Murtough is on the same level on the Man United hierarchy as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who will report to executive vice-chairmanEd Woodward. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. His move up to football director allows the club's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to concentrate on the commercial side of United's business. Murtough served as the Toffees' head of football development before joining the Premier League in 2012. Colleagues recall how his role involved one-on-one sessions tapping into the players minds over selection or mistakes on the pitch, as well as team-bonding and dressing-room talks. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The strikers contract expires in summer, with his father, Luis, claiming on Tuesday that the 34-year-old wants to depart then, potentially for Argentinas Boca Juniors. Try a week on us. Paris Saint-Germains former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax coach Erik ten Hag are two of the leading names under consideration, but the process is yet to get going in earnest and further candidates are expected to be explored. Manchester United have made a surprise appointment with John Murtough becoming their football director. Leading a company with a 500 million turnover and 1,000 staff pulled Woodward in many different directions. On the horizon is the appointment of a permanent manager to succeed Ralf Rangnick, an interim choice of Murtoughs making. Murtough was influential in the club signing exciting teenager Hannibal Mejbri, and revamping the womens side. He moved ahead of Tottenham Hotspur by inviting Hannibal to watch a pre-season friendly in Norways capital Oslo in July 2019 and flew to Bergamo in Italy during the pandemic to progress the move for Amad from that citys Atalanta. In the newly released Amazon documentary about his life and career, boyhood Evertonian Wayne Rooney gives recognition to Harveys protective influence during his teenage years in Croxteth. He has worked with top-tier English clubs like West Ham, Fulham, and Everton in his 2-decade spanning football career. Is he a Wikipedia entry? It is understood former manager Jose Mourinho did not want somebody in that roleas he believed it would undermine his authority, but assoon as Solskjaer was appointed on an interim basis in 2018, he was fully supportive of the club's plans to overhaul their management structure. Overall, United had a moderate hit-rate on signings in Solskjaers reign, with 40 million midfielder Donny van de Beek, now on loan at Everton for the rest of this season after hardly playing in 18 months at United, perhaps the clearest example of issues somewhere along the chain. He was charged with the overhaul of the academy and recruitment department, with the latter now focusing on buying younger players rather than vast sums on experienced talent. He arranged that trip through Paul Mitchell, then Leipzigs head of recruitment and now Monaco sporting director. When he returned to Manchester, Murtough completed his two-week quarantine in his garage, which he had converted into an office. Manchester Uniteds Director of Football John Murtough and former manager Ralf Rangnicks relationship had deteriorated so much that they were barely on speaking terms, it has been reported by the BBC. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Murtough himself learnt from Colin Harvey, a legendary player in Evertons 1969-70 First Division title, who managed the clubs first team for three years before returning to work as youth-team coach under Howard Kendall in 1997. Murtough's team will have the likes of former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who will add technical input when it comes to football and performance. The role was always likely to be filled eventually but there wont have been many interested observers who expected United'sHead of Football development John Murtough to be given the job. Coupled with Woodwards underwhelming transfer policies in recent years, his fate was sealed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. John will have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions, reinforcing the strong foundations already in place. The club have also handed the role of director of football negotiationsto Matt Judge, and he will negotiate transfer deals and contract renewals. The 48-year-old has been heartened by the "improved results" since Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis, with the search afoot for the next permanent manager. Moyes felt Murtough would know which questions were pertinent as United adjusted to life after Ferguson, and would ask them in a respectful manner. Intelligent, integrity, hard worker, bright personality. This page was last edited on 6 July 2021, at . 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The 37-year-oldwill also work on the link between Uniteds academy and its first team while focusing on a long-term approach to player and squad development. Murtoughs path into the professional game came through academia, however. Hates waking up early but loves staying up late for football. Moreover, Murtough has also identified a wide array of targets, alongside Erik ten Hag. Murtough, who joined United in January 2014, is being promoted from his current role as head of football development and he will have overall responsibility for all football matters. The Germans time at United will not be fondly remembered, leaving United with the worst win percentage of any manager post Sir Alex Ferguson. Murtough and Solskjaer will collaborate on player recruitment, whilethe former head of corporate affairsMatt Judgewill reportto the Murtough under a new titleof director of football negotiations. A club statement outlined Murtoughs precise role and how it will combine with Solskjrs: 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. Meanwhile, fans have had to watch their rivals snap up some top talents to better their futures. This article "John Murtough" is from Wikipedia. He will also be the point of contact forclubs that want to buy or sell players. Some insiders believe there needs to be greater leadership over how that information is used, however, with questions over accountability for selecting targets and pressing ahead with pursuits. Thursday 22 September 2022 05:21 John Murtough has welcomed the "increased unity, focus and drive" brought to Manchester United by Erik ten Hag and reassured fans of the hard work being put in. (modern). With players of a lower profile, however, United take a more considered approach. Im delighted with the announcement of Darren Fletcher and John Murtough, says Ole. The Red Devils have had a bleak start to summer 2022 with no signings yet. Now, lets just make sure he plays as much as possible before the end of the season, scores as many goals as he can, helps the young players - the strikers, the forwards, even the rest of the group with his mentality then he will make his decision. Murtough was said to be instrumental in bringing the former RB Leipzig boss, but things would sour quickly. Manchester United have finally appointed their first ever Football Director in John Murtough. Very little is known about a man who shirks the limelight but has an increasingly important role at United. The model, 30, showed off, Naomi Campbell looked absolutely gorgeous in a pink draping gown as she, John Murtough is 51 years of age in 2022 as per. Proper fella. He had a membership at United in his teens. Murtough also spoke, and impressed with his personable, calm manner. United also on Wednesday appointed their former midfielder Darren Fletcher to the post of technical director, another new position at the club. One of the principal external criticisms of United's management structure has long been that the signing of players is overseen by people "not from the football world", as Evra put it last year. Matt Judge [previously head of corporate development] will also report to John, with a new title of Director of Football Negotiations. 'The Fixer' - Why Man Utd have made John Murtough their first football director. He becomes the first official Football Director at United after being promoted from his previous position as the club's head of football development but who is Murtough and what experience has he had before being given this new role? "#MUFC pic.twitter.com/iiB4GsxxRr. But one industry insider asks: Is the system too complex to make quick, agile decisions?. Time to move forward. Everton had moved to a new training ground at Finch Farm, with their academy and first team housed on the same site, and Moyes wanted someone to bring the whole operation together and also add to the clubs European recruitment network. He would speak to the likes of Brian McClair, then the clubs academy manager, to try to get a grip of the United landscape post-Ferguson. For example, it was reported he travelled to Norway with French youth scout Mathieu Seckinger to watch Hannibal Mejbri as a 16-year-old before they splashed the cash to sign him from Monaco. But still, he says scammers wiped out his bank account. United look well set to make at least a few signings, as Murtough knows he has the money. 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, Woodward said. He produced clean, legible documents and, in a small way, brought a sense of order. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. These cookies do not store any personal information. Both Matthew Judge, who is the chief negotiator of new player deals, and executive vice-chairman Woodward are former investment bankers. The report goes on to say For his part, Rangnick didnt feel he got the support he needed and too many players failed to take responsibility for their own performance.. Its a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester Uniteds football department, working alongside Ole, Casey and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.. However, Murtough has long been considered a key figure at Old Trafford. Uniteds new manager proposed Murtough. Although there does seem to be hope with left back Tyrell Malacia seemingly close to being a done deal. When Ed Woodward first took over as Manchester United chief executive, the work rushed through his office like a whirlwind. He was brought to United by David Moyes in 2013, having previously worked for the Premier League. However, his first full season would be far from ideal, culminating in a sorry end. #mulive. John McKendrick says he missed all the warning signs. Questions have been raised about how Erling Haaland went to Red Bull Salzburg from Molde, the Norwegian club United fan favourite Solskjaer was managing at the time. This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game. As a child, he ran for Sale Harriers in the same year as future Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell and played football for local teams. The brainchild of Ged Roddy, the Premier Leagues then director of youth, EPPP changed the terrain of youth development in 2012 by bringing in a set of criteria to rank academies from category one to four. Its a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester Uniteds football department, working alongside Ole, Casey [Stoney, womens team manager] and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.. Meet Manchester United's new director of football. Sources remember Murtough taking notes in a little black book. All rights reserved. He kept a dialogue going with executives at the Italian club to make sure the transfer could go through last January, with Amads immigration application aided by appearances on Atalantas bench. Of course, his work is now going to come under more scrutiny than ever before. Illustration: Philippe Fenner. Darren Fletcher (right) alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjr during a Manchester United training session in January. John Murtough is the new Football Director alongside Darren Fletcher as Technical Director (Image: Getty) In addition, Fletcher has said that he is delighted to be taking on his new role as Technical Director, and he will be working closely with Murtough in all football and performance areas. Manchester United's inaugural football director profiled, John Murtough has been named Man Utd's new football director with Darren Fletcher becoming technical director, Murtough previously worked at Everton under David Moyes before a stint working for the Premier League, Murtough first joined Man Utd when David Moyes got the job in 2013, Ed Woodward will now be less heavily involved in transfer business at Man Utd, The night Cristiano Ronaldo "disappointed" Sir Alex Ferguson and cost himself Ballon d'Or, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already warned AC Milan about Man Utd difference maker. On BT Sport after Uniteds 1-1 home draw with Southampton on Saturday, United hero Paul Scholes questioned the overall plan following Ole Gunnar Solskjaers sacking as manager last November. He knows his football. Again, United had considered external applicants but felt that Fletcher was the perfect fit, as he is humble, hard-working, intelligent and already a part of the old Ferguson-inspiredculture that Solskjaer is trying to recreate at Old Trafford. The Old Trafford side have not won the Premier League in the eight-plus years since Murtough joined them, even if much of the liability for that spreads across previous managers, coaches, players, Woodward, and the Glazer family, who own the club. all rights reserved. That help came in the shape of John Murtough. Try a week on us. John Murtough: Rare interview gives insight into Man Utd's first football director What is his background? Murtough started his career as a sports scientist at Everton under former. Ex-Premier League head of elite performance known as the "fixer" was appointed as the first-ever Manchester United director of football. This honest approach appeared to be one of many factors that irked Murtough, with the United Chief preferring these views to be kept behind closed doors. Although with no confirmed signings as yet, Ten Hag must be hoping that Murtough can support him with his shopping list. Surprisingly -- perhaps controversially -- a native of Liverpool, Murtough originally joined Manchester United back in November 2013. "He went from a young man to a Champions League winner here, and he has a bright eye for football so he can have an impact. Before joining MUFC, John was the head of football development at West Ham. Stunning development as divisive Man Utd figure risks losing job. John Murtough has opened up on Manchester United's decision to appoint Erik ten Hag over the likes of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, lifting the lid on their talks during interviews Follow Laurie on Twitter @lauriewhitwell, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford followed in Manchester United colleague John Murtoughs footsteps as players for Fletcher Moss Rangers (Photo: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images), Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring against Everton in the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford last week (Photo: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images), Cristiano Ronaldos return to the club last summer was arranged quickly but United have been accused of dallying when it comes to other deals (Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images), a deputy football director to work under Murtough, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, before Brexit regulations came into effect to limit the transfer of under 18s, with complaints about training conditions and lack of clarity over a new manager, Nicky Butt stepped away from his job as head of first-team development, Hannibal to watch a pre-season friendly in Norways capital Oslo in July 2019, to sign Portos Colombia forward Luis Diaz, trusted assistant Mike Phelan with trips to check out Bruno Fernandes.