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Sources: Man United to sack John Murtough as Sir Jim Ratcliffe overhaul intensifies
Man United are planning to sack football director John Murtough once the new investment is completed, sources have told Football Insider.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are set to take a 25 per cent stake in the club imminently, and one of the first big changes will be the removal of the club’s recruitment chief.
It is believed that the decision has already been made by the incoming United regime to dispense with Murtough after nearly a decade at the club.
He was appointed the club’s first-ever football director in 2021 with overall responsibility for key club hires including the appointment of the manager and first-team signings.
But Ratcliffe wants a new man to oversee the football department as he prepares to take charge of the sporting decisions at the club.
It was announced this month that chief executive Richard Arnold will be stepping down from his role after 16 years at United.
Murtough originally arrived at the club in November 2013 as the academy director, before moving into a director of development role three years later.
He has also had spells behind the scenes at Everton, Coventry and Fulham in a footballing career which spans more than 25 years.
Ratcliffe is planning a radical shake-up at Man United once he takes the reins at Old Trafford.
Football Insider revealed on earlier this month (4 November) that the billionaire is keen to develop a multi-club model which can rival Man City’s illustrious set-up.
It is believed Man United chiefs currently feel unable to compete with the likes of City, Chelsea – and even Brighton – in terms of youth development.
The Red Devils have spent just over £1billion on signings since the start of the 2017-18 season but are yet to mount a real title challenge in that time.
Erik ten Hag’s side sit sixth in the Premier League and are five points adrift of the top four despite another summer of lavish spending.
United are next in action against Everton on Sunday (26 November).
In other news, Man United, Man City and Chelsea in race to sign Ligue 1 sensation.