Why John Murtough is leaving Manchester United role as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes statement

John Murtough's departure from his role as Manchester United's football director is a mutual agreement to allow a new football leadership structure to be implemented.

Murtough's resignation was accepted last week and he'll leave his role this week, which means the curtain will come down on 11 years spent in various positions at Old Trafford. The 53-year-old was appointed as United's inaugural football director in March 2021, but felt it was the right time to step aside as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's shake-up continues.

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.”

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Joel Glazer said: “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's responsibilities will eventually be assumed by Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, who is currently Southampton's director of football. Wilcox is set to become United's technical director and that would mean a new role for Darren Fletcher, who currently holds that position.

Murtough joined the club from the Premier League 10 years ago. He was responsible for the appointment of Erik ten Hag and has played a key role in recruitment as football director. Recruitment has continued to be scrutinised during Murtough's tenure but progress was made in other areas, such as selling academy graduates who don't become first-team