Darren Fletcher among two Man Utd figures with 'uncertain' future amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe reshuffle

Darren Fletcher's future as Manchester United technical director is reportedly uncertain amid planned structural changes under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Confirmation came earlier this week that Ratcliffe's investment in United had been fully ratified by the Premier League and FA, with the petrochemicals billionaire taking instant control of footballing operations. INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford has been a regular presence around Carrington in recent weeks, carrying out an audit of the club's processes.

Recommendations are expected to include a reshuffle of the United hierarchy with current high-level employees uncertain about their futures. The Manchester Evening News reports that as well as Fletcher, director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves could also depart.

Fletcher has been technical director at United since March 2021, during which time he has been a regular point of contact for the club's on-loan youngsters. The former United midfielder spoke in October about his role in analysing the performances of young Reds out with other clubs and maintaining dialogue with players and their temporary clubs.

Hargreaves began leading transfer negotiations last summer and was tasked with changing the club's reputation as easy prey for teams looking to cash in on players. In his first window, United invested £60m in Mason Mount, £47.2m in Andre Onana and £72m in Rasmus Hojlund, all inclusive of add-ons.

United have already hired a new chief executive, following Richard Arnold's decision to leave the role in November. Omar Berrada was Manchester City's chief football operations officer and will make the move across the city after a period of gardening leave.

Next on the list of new hires is likely to be a sporting director, with known interest in Dan Ashworth. Newcastle United have placed their recruitment chief on gardening leave after being informed of his desire to move on and are demanding compensation of £20m - a fee United will not come close to.

The future of John Murtough, United's current sporting director, is unclear but he could be moved into a more administrative role if Ashworth is appointed. Murtough remains a key figure in transfer plans for the upcoming summer, given there could be a long wait for the Magpies man.