Why John Murtough is leaving Man United and what it means for Darren Fletcher as Ratcliffe sends message

Manchester United reached a mutual agreement for John Murtough to leave his role as football director after over a decade with the club.

Murtough has stepped down from his role amid a number of planned structural changes by the Ineos Group after Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a stake in the club.

United plan to replace Murtough with the appointment of Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth, while the club are still in talks to appoint Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox as their technical director. Former chief executive Richard Arnold has already left, with Omar Berrada set to officially join from Man City this summer. The appoint of Wilcox would require a new job title for Darren Fletcher, who United would like to keep on board.

Until the new leadership team is in place, the day-to-day running of the club will be overseen by the existing football leadership team, including deputy football director, Andy O’Boyle; director of player negotiations, Matt Hargreaves; director of football operations, David Harrison and academy director, Nick Cox. Sir Dave Brailsford will provide board-level oversight.

Speaking after the announcement was made official, Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: "We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition. He leaves with our best wishes for the future."

Joel Glazer added: "After 11 years of tireless work for the club, John has mutually agreed with us that now is the right time to step aside and allow the new football leadership structure to be put in place. He will always be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club."

Murtough leaves United having helped reshape the first-team squad and playing a key role in the recent regeneration of the club’s illustrious academy.

He also oversaw the creation of the club’s first professional women’s team in 2018, who went on to win the Championship in their first season and have since becoming a leading force in the WSL.