FLETCHER AND MURTOUGH NET NEW POSITIONS ON UNITED STAFF
FORMER midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named as Manchester United’s first technical director as part of a shake-up that has seen John Murtough promoted to the role of football director. There has been years of talk and speculation regarding the absence of a director of football at Old Trafford, but the club have 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 set-up.
The 37-year-old will now step up to become technical director focusing on “a co-ordinated and long-term approach to player and squad development”, while adding “technical input and direction into all football and performance areas” by working closely with football director Murtough. Having been with the club for seven years, most recently as head of football development, United say Murtough will “have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions”. 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 these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the club’s traditions of bringing young players 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 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.”