David Harrison: Who is new Man Utd appointment? Role explained & Everton nickname

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of David Harrison as the club’s new director of football operations.

The announcement was made on Friday morning, with Harrison joining from Everton, where he previously held a similar role. He will leave the Toffees at the end of the month and will work from Carrington.

“I’m excited to be taking this role at a time of such opportunity and promise for Manchester United,” he said, via the club’s statement.

“I will always cherish my memories of 27 years at Everton and wish everyone at Goodison and Finch Farm all the best for the future. Now, my focus is on helping Manchester United create the best possible operating environment to support success on the pitch.”

Harrison succeeds Alan Dawson, who departs the club, with his arrival from Everton set to report to football director John Murtough. Harrison’s responsibilities will include ‘football operations at Carrington for the men’s, women’s and academy teams, including crucial areas such as football administration, team travel and player support’.

He was personally selected by John Murtough, who also previously worked at Everton, and is the fifth arrival in the football department following the appointments of Andy O’Boyle as deputy football director, Polly Bancroft as head of women’s football, Dominic Jordan as director of data science and Mags Mernagh as Programme Director.

Harrison will work in conjunction with O’Boyle, with the latter more focused on football strategy and performance and Harrison’s remit centred around administration & governance, Carrington facilities, team operations and travel logistics.

United’s new recruit was known as ‘Contract Dave’ during his time at Everton and was appointed as director of football operations in 2018 having previously spent 16 years as club secretary. Harrison also worked as a non-executive director at Liverpool County FA and spent time earlier in his career working in United’s ticket office.