Pranav Nair
Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to see Manchester United hire a Football Director as far back as 2019
Manchester United restructured their backroom staff by appointing John Murtough as the Football Director and Darren Fletcher as the Technical Director.
According to Sky Sports (h/t The Daily Star), the position of Football Director is an appointment that was recommended by Sir Alex Ferguson all the way back in 2019.
The United legend was keen to see Steve Walsh take up the role at Old Trafford only for Ed Woodward to not make the decision. The former Head of Recruitment at Leicester, he was responsible for signing N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.
Walsh eventually moved to Everton, spending two years on Merseyside. He is now a special advisor to MLS side Charlotte. He was also close to Mike Phelan.
Unfortunately, Ferguson’s advice fell on deaf ears as Woodward sought to bring in a former player to fill the position. Two years on, the club finally has someone to fulfil the requirements for the role.
Murtough will answer directly to Woodward and will work on transfers alongside Matt Judge, the Director of Football Negotiations.
Fletcher, meanwhile, will provide technical input and direction for the new Football Director in football and performance areas. The focus will hinge on a long-term approach to player development.
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While it is good to see Woodward relent and make a decision, he sure took his time making it. However, it is better late than never and United hopefully have a competent man in charge of recruitment.
