Manchester United appoint John Murtough as club’s first football director

Manchester United have appointed John Murtough as the club's first football director. Murtough, who joined United in January 2014, is being promoted from his current role as head of football development, and he will have overall responsibility for all football matters.

Transfer business will remain driven by Solskjær and the club’s recruitment department, each of which have a veto. Murtough would only become involved in this regard if there was disagreement between the two.

Solskjær will also continue to report to Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, with Murtough doing the same.

In a 23-year career Murtough has previously been the Premier League’s head of elite performance, and had senior academy and development roles at other clubs.

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United also on Wednesday appointed their former midfielder Darren Fletcher to the post of technical director, another new position at the club. Fletcher returned to United in January as a first-team coach.

“These are hugely important appointments that reinforce the progress we have been making as a club in recent years in our relentless pursuit of success,” said Woodward.

“We have already made great strides forward in the way we run our football operations, and the benefits are visible in the resurgent pipeline of academy talent reaching the first team and through our improved recruitment record.

“John has been integral to our progress in these areas, and his deep understanding of development ensures the club’s traditions of bringing young players through from academy to first team will continue. This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game.”

Recruitment

A club statement outlined Murtough’s precise role and how it will combine with Solskjær’s.

"As football director John will work day-to-day with Ole to align recruitment and other strategies, and to ensure that the first team has the best-in-class operational support it needs to succeed. Ole will continue his role in the recruitment process, supported by extensive scouting and data analytics functions that will continue to report to John. Matt Judge [previously head of corporate development] will also report to John, with a new title of director of football negotiations.

"John will have overall leadership and responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions, reinforcing the strong foundations already in place. This appointment builds on the work John has already undertaken in recent years, working closely with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and the rest of the football staff to create the structures, processes and culture to deliver sustained success on the pitch. This has included successful overhauls of the club's academy and recruitment department."

Murtough said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, academy and women’s team all performing strongly, and plenty of development still to come. It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United’s football department, working alongside Ole, Casey [Stoney, women’s team manager] and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”

United’s appointment of Murtough ends a three-year search by the club for someone to fill such a post.

Contract

Meanwhile, Solskjær has responded to speculation about Edinson Cavani's future. The striker's contract expires in summer, with his father, Luis, claiming on Tuesday that the 34-year-old wants to depart then, potentially for Argentina's Boca Juniors.

Solskjær said: “We’ll convince him [to stay] when the weather in Manchester improves. I can’t comment on what has been said. I can only say that we’re very pleased with Edinson.

“Now, let’s just make sure he plays as much as possible before the end of the season, scores as many goals as he can, helps the young players – the strikers, the forwards, even the rest of the group with his mentality – then he will make his decision.

“He knows that we are very fond of what he’s given to the club even though he’s probably played less games than he wanted [due to injury].”

– Guardian