Manchester United’s overhaul continues with John Murthough’s exit

The Internal restructuring at Manchester United has continued with John Murtough’s step down as the Club’s football director. This is in continuation of the changes led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, leading the recruitment of new and eligible world-class individuals to fill senior roles at the Club and kickstart a new era on a clean slate.

Murtough’s exit comes as no surprise since the onboarding of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club’s minority shareholder after purchasing over 28% of the club for about £1.3 billion last winter. Ratcliffe now controls the club’s footballing operations. Murtough was offered the opportunity to remain at the club for a more diminished role but has decided to leave the club on his terms, ending over a decade of service to the club. On his departure, the club released a statement on Tuesday saying: 

“John Murtough is to step down from his position as football director of Manchester United and leave the club after almost 11 years in a variety of roles at Carrington.”

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s statement read: “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.”

Co-chair 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.”

The changes have seen Omar Berrada, who is set to come in this summer recruited as Chief Executive and Richard Arnold’s successor. Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth is set to come in as the Sporting director and Southampton’s director of football Jason Wilcox will take on as the technical director this summer. The club is still negotiating with the duo and the clubs they represent. As the changes continue, Daily Mail reports panic amongst Senior figures at the club on retaining their roles. 

Manchester United could be in search of a new manager with reports that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim would potentially take over from Erik Ten Hag next summer. The 39-year-old Portuguese is on the verge of delivering the club a second League title in his fourth season in charge. Man U, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich have shown keen interest in his services but it has been reported that Liverpool have already agreed on a deal with the head coach. Sir Jim Ratcliffe could give Erik Ten Hag a chance to perform better next season under the new regime, but this could be overturned if results decline further till the end of the season. 

Manchester United missing out in the Champions League will be a huge setback in Sir Ratcliffe and INEOS group plans to return the club to its past glories as soon as possible. They will be mindful of FFP restrictions this summer after missing out on the extra revenue generated from the Champions League. The Red Devils are also expected to face challenges in luring top talents to join the club during the summer transfer window.

UPCOMING MAN UTD MATCHES

Bournemouth vs. Manchester United (Premier League, Saturday 13th April, Kickoff at 17:30)

Bournemouth hosts Manchester United in a crucial Premier League encounter as both teams vie for important points in the final lap of the League. Manchester United might still have a chance to secure a top-four finish with seven games left. But recent performances have left fans hoping to seal a Europa League and Europa Conference League qualification as the battle in the middle half of the table intensifies. 

The Red Devils boast a talented squad with what it takes to win the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium. They would capitalize on the form shown by Gnarcho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Maino in recent games to change their luck against a Bournemouth side that has struggled defensively this season, having fallen short of four points in their last three games. 

However, Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth will be determined to fight and secure a positive result against one of the league’s top teams. The home advantage could play a significant role as Bournemouth looks to take on opportunities that come their way.

Coventry City vs. Manchester United (The FA Cup, Sunday 21st April, Kickoff at 15:30)

Manchester United faces Coventry City in the FA Cup Semi finals at Wembley Stadium with their eye set on possible silverware to relieve what has been a devastating season. Coventry City will be eager to cause an upset like they did in the previous two games and progress to the final. The underdog status could work in their favor as they look to defy the odds against a struggling Man U team.

Manchester United’s attacking flair would be needed to break a defensive Coventry side. However, they must remain focused and not underestimate their opponents. The victors would face either Chelsea or Manchester City in the finals. 

Manchester United vs. Sheffield United (Premier League, Wednesday 24th April, Kickoff at 20:00)

Bottom of the League Sheffield United travels to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in another Premier League fixture. Manchester United will aim to secure three points to boast their chase of European competition next season while Sheffield United will be fighting for survival in the relegation battle.

With the talents, experience, and home advantage, Manchester United would by far be the dominant team in the encounter. With five points separating them from the tenth-placed club at the League table, winning every match is important.

Sheffield United despite their struggles this season, cannot be underestimated. Their performance against Chelsea at the Bridge last Sunday cannot be overlooked. They will approach this game with determination knowing that they still have a chance and matches to make it out of relegation. A loss to United could be the final blow to see them off the Premier League. 

Manchester United vs. Burnley (Premier League, Saturday 27th April, Kickoff at 15:00)

Burnley visits Old Trafford for a Premier League game against Manchester United. With the season entering its final stages, Manchester United will be high on securing maximum points to strengthen their chances of playing in Europe next season, Erik ten Hag and his team are under pressure from underperforming in matches they could have done better this season. Maintaining consistency will be crucial as they look to finish the season strongly. 

Burnley faces relegation and will pose a tough challenge for Manchester United. Vincent Kompany’s team is well known to frustrate their opponents and capitalize on set-piece opportunities to cause problems in the opposition’s defense.

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (Premier League, Monday 6th May, Kickoff at 20:00)

Manchester United travels to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in what promises to be a challenging Premier League fixture. Erik ten Hag would be on a quest to hold on to the United job by seeing the season through on a good note. Oliver Glasner on the other hand will seek a positive result at home in his first game against the Red Devils since taking charge of the club after Roy Hodgson’s exit.

Get Man Utd tickets

Mark your calendar for the upcoming games and reserve a spot for yourself and your loved ones by getting Man UTD tickets while they are Available. Secondary marketplaces remain your Go-to spot for securing a place in the Action. Grab yours quickly by exploring seat maps and comparing prices to pick the best spots for a beautiful experience.

With the new management overhaul, Manchester United will look into creating a bright long-lasting future and returning the club to peak performance in the domestic League and across Europe. Winning crucial matches will be decisive for Eric Ten Hag’s retention as Head coach next season, with a possible FA Cup title in sight and qualification into the European competition blooming. Secure these fast-selling tickets early and cheer the Red Devils to victory.