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United appoint Football and Te...

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United appoint Football and Technical Directors

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

12:32 10 Mar 2021


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Manchester United have appointed John Murtough as Football Director and Darren Fletcher as the club's Technical Director.

United have promoted Murtough to a role that will see him have "overall leadership" and "responsibility" for operations and strategy across all football functions at the club.

Murtough has been at United for seven years, most recently occupying the role of head of football development.

Former midfielder Fletcher will work closely with Murtough to add technical input and direction into all football and performance areas.

Fletcher joined Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's coaching staff in January having won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his 12 years as player at Old Trafford.

The Scot will also be tasked with co-ordinating a long-term approach to player and squad development, helping maintain the link between the Academy and the first team.

As Football Director, Murtough will work day-to-day with Solskjaer on recruitment and other strategies.

Matt Judge will report to Murtough under a new title of director of football negotiations.

United Executive Vice-Chairman, Ed Woodward 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 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."

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."

Fletcher added: "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."

United are currently second in the Premier League with 54 points after 28 games, which is 12 points better off than at the same stage last season.

Solskjaer is yet to win a trophy as manager but United are still in the hunt for silverware in the Europa League and FA Cup.


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Darren Fletcher Ed Woodward John Murtough Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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