12 March 2024 , 17:45
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John Murtough has laid out the latest plans for Manchester United's summer trip to the United States, despite speculation he could be moved on by Ineos.
Murtough, 53, was appointed as the club's first-ever football director back in 2021 and has played a significant role in United's recruitment strategy ever since. His position has been uncertain, though, ever since it was revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be taking charge of sporting operations at Old Trafford.
The petrochemicals billionaire, 71, acquired a 27.7 per cent stake in his boyhood club from the Glazers in a deal which gives him and his team total control. Several changes are already afoot off the pitch - but Murtough is seemingly going nowhere just yet.
Murtough was at the forefront of a statement released on Tuesday which confirmed United would play a pre-season friendly against Real Betis at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The fixture will take place on July 31.
While Murtough is still in situ at United, it remains to be seen how much authority he will yield going forward. The club have already identified Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth as their top target to fill a similar position at Old Trafford.
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The Telegraph outlined back in January that the appointment of a new sporting director would dilute Murtough's current role. Furthermore, two of Ratcliffe's right-hand men, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, are also expected to play a role in recruitment moving forward.
A new report from The Manchester Evening News claims that it remains to be seen whether or not Murtough will choose to stay on in a more administrative role or not under Ineos.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already started overhauling the club's structure (PA)Where Murtough would sit in the wider structure of the club if he does stay long-term is also unclear. Omar Berrada has already been poached from Manchester City to become the club's new chief executive, while further appointments are expected to be made over the coming months by United's top brass.
Southampton technical director Jason Wilcox is understood to be a target, while Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has been linked with a head of recruitment role.
Erik ten Hag is another whose fate is up in the air. The Dutchman has overseen an underwhelming campaign and whether he is retained for next season or not will hinge heavily on whether or not United can qualify for next year's Champions League.
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