BETTER the Red Devil you know.
Manchester United have appointed John Murtough, 48, as their first ever Football Director.
John Murtough, left, has been named as Man Utd’s first ever Football DirectorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Murtough isn’t an unknown – having already established his name at Old Trafford.
He joined the club in 2013 as Head of Football Development, after a recommendation by former United boss David Moyes.
In his seven years, Murtough has completely overhauled the Premier League side’s academy and recruitment department.
The Liverpudlian was a former Toffee…
WORKING WITH MOYES
When Moyes was manager of Everton, Murtough started out as a sports scientist.
He worked his way up to the role of Head of Performance, before leaving in 2012 to become Head of Elite Performance for the Premier League.
In November 2013, Murtough joined United as their first ever Head of Football Development – just months after Moyes was appointed as manager.
Phil Neville chats with Murtough while the pair were at Everton togetherCredit: PA:Press Association
Murtough worked his way up from a sports scientist to Head of Performance with the ToffeesCredit: PA:Press Association
Crucially, he focused on the club’s youth policy, expanding their recruitment process and building their academy.
Under Murtough, young prospects including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood blossomed into first team starters.
And he had the ear of Ed Woodward, who became a close confidant.
HANDS ON
Murtough’s hands-on approach at United showed his dedication to the job.
Before the club signed talented youngster Hannibal Mejbri from Monaco for £9million, he joined French scout Mathieu Seckinger on a trip to Norway to watch the kid play.
Murtough is also a forward-thinker, who considers new ways of acquiring football knowledge.
Murtough was involved in overhauling United’s academyCredit: MuTV
Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams have been blooded into the first team under Murtough’s watchCredit: Reuters
Last year, with fears the club were falling behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, he began to develop the club’s data science strategy.
In 2018, Murtough also understood the emergence of women’s football and played an integral role in launching Manchester United’s women’s team.
CHALLENGING ROLE
Murtough will be tasked with overseeing operations and strategy across all football functions at Manchester United.
Previous reports suggested that former goalie Edwin van der Saar, who works in the same role at Ajax, was being considered.
And it was also said that United wanted to make a Football Director appointment earlier, but were swayed by ex-manager Jose Mourinho who was against the idea.
But Murtough is the man who will carry the mantle.
Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, who was opposed to the idea of a Football Director, shakes hands with MurtoughCredit: MuTV
Murtough has the ear of Manchester United Chief Executive Ed WoodwardCredit: PA:Press Association
He 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.”
And that’s the key word United fans will hope for if Murtough proves to be a good appointment… success.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
