[ad_1]
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has been appointed as Manchester United’s first manager as part of a restructuring that has led to John Murtough being promoted to the position of director of football.
There have been years of talk and speculation about the absence of a football director at Old Trafford, but the club has now announced two new roles that “will further strengthen the club’s football operations.”
Fletcher returned to United in January as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching setup and his work in that role impressed the powers that be both in terms of attitude and aptitude.
The 37-year-old will now become technical director and focus on “a long-term, coordinated approach to player and team development”, while adding “technical input and direction in all areas of soccer and performance” by working up close with soccer director Murtough.
Having been with the club for seven years, most recently as head of soccer development, United says Murtough “will have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all soccer functions.”
Executive Vice President Ed Woodward said: “These are extremely important appointments that reinforce the progress we have been making as a club over the past few years in our relentless pursuit of success.
“We have already made great strides in the way we conduct our soccer operations, and the benefits are visible in the resurgence of academy talents reaching the first team and through our best recruiting record.
“John has been an integral part of our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures that the club’s traditions of bringing young players from the academy to the first team will continue.
“This new position is a natural evolution that takes advantage of his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game.
“Darren’s stellar achievements as a player and his own journey from academia to Premier League to Champions League winner mean that he naturally inspires respect and understands this vital part of the club’s DNA.
“In this new position, the first in our history, he will provide technical advice in all aspects of the football department, in addition to contributing to the communication and delivery of our football philosophy in 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, along with Ole and the rest of the staff, as we move toward future success.”
United said in a statement that soccer director Murtough “will work day-to-day with Ole to align recruiting and other strategies and ensure that the first team has the best-in-class operational support it needs to be successful.”
The change is understood to be seen as an evolution rather than a revolution on the recruiting front, with the club saying: “Ole will continue his role in the recruiting process, supported by extensive data exploration and analysis functions that will continue to report to John. “.
Matt Judge, who has the new title of director of soccer negotiations, albeit with unchanged responsibilities, will also report to director of soccer Murtough.
The former elite Premier League performance chief has impressed with the work he has overseen in various areas of the club, including reviewing the academy and the recruiting department, since joining David Moyes in 2014.
“This is a very exciting time for everyone at Manchester United, with the first team, the academy and the women’s team performing well and much development to come,” Murtough said.
“It is a privilege to be a part of that process and an honor to lead Manchester United’s football department, working alongside Ole, Casey (Stoney) and so many other truly outstanding staff members, all dedicated to achieving success at this club.”
Fletcher has taken a close look at the way things work in recent months and knows what it takes to succeed at United, where the academy graduate won five Premier League and Champions League titles in 2008.
“It is great to be back at the club and I am delighted to take on this new role,” he said.
“We are moving in the right direction and I look forward to working with Ole and his team of coaches, and now with John as football director, to help young players enter and further develop the football side of the club.”
“It is fantastic to see that all the staff here are propelling Manchester United into a new era of success.”
Solskjaer welcomed the appointments and confirmed that the new manager, Fletcher, will continue as one of their coaches.
“Darren will still be teaming up with the coach,” said the United manager. “Of course, maybe a little less on the coaching side.
“I am very happy that I made this decision and the announcement. Of course I have known for a while.
“I’ve known John since I got here. He was here when I came in and now it’s more of a formal role, the job title. He’s still been working behind the scenes and I’ve worked well with him. It’s a cultural setting.”
“We know that we are a work in progress and what we are doing we only want to improve and improve, very happy with what we have.
“We still have the continuity from the last few years, but we still have new ideas and fresh thoughts with Fletch, who has been at the club before and is coming back now.”
[ad_2]