Manchester United’s attempts appointing a director of football has become a running joke among supporters over the past couple of years.
Dating back to Jose Mourinho days, this was cited as an aspiration to set the club up in a new direction.
When Mourinho was fired, it was suggested back in 2018 that United’s priority would be to hire a director of football before a manager, via the MEN.
Nothing happened, but rumours have been ongoing, and usually seen as a way to placate fans in a way of ‘it will get better’ after numerous disappointing transfer windows.
So it came from a bolt from the blue that United have actually gone and done it, appointing a new director of football today.
Who is the new man?
Two roles have been created. John Murtough is the club’s director of football.
He will be helped by Darren Fletcher, who is now ‘technical director’ having joined the coaching staff at the end of last year.
Murtough was already in employment at United as ‘head of football development’.
He has been at United since 2013, with The MEN reporting he previously worked with David Moyes at Everton.
Murtough ‘played a pivotal part in the academy that produced Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley,’ ESPN reported. Prior to this he worked at Fulham.
His recent work was focused on developing the United’s data science strategy, which looked at everything from medical, recruitment and coaching.
The club website says: “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.”
Training Ground Guru report that the Glazers are big supporters of Murtough’s data science led projects.
Ed Woodward told club website: “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.”
The MEN report Murtough played a key role in the signing of young talent Hannibal Mejbri from Monaco in 2019.
What happens to Matt Judge?
United’s much criticised negotiator Matt Judge still has a key role.
The club website says: “Matt Judge will also report to John, with a new title of Director of Football Negotiations.”
The appointments offer Woodward and Judge a little extra shield from criticism. It would be better if they were not involved at all.
It’s debatable whether upwardly promoting a candidate like Murtough is good, because he knows the club well, as opposed to bringing in an outsider with totally fresh ideas who may be more willing to shake things up.
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