“Perfect” – Erik ten Hag issues statement after Man United sack senior official

Erik ten Hag has issued his thoughts on the departure of John Murtough after Manchester United revealed that the senior official was leaving Old Trafford.

“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,” a club statement read on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking on Murtough, new United co-owner Sir Jim 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, co-chairman of Manchester United, 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.”

Although the club painted it as if it was his choice, reports have since suggested that the change has come as a result of the club becoming increasingly confident in securing Dan Ashworth from Newcastle and Jason Wilcox from Southampton.

With the two new men taking up roles as sporting director and technical director respectively, this makes Murtough’s role as football director somewhat redundant, as the club did not need him anymore. It feels somewhat like a de facto sacking, or at least a decision Murough was somewhat forced to take.

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And now, Erik ten Hag has had his chance to address the situation.

“You mention something there for the new season; I think it’s very important that the new ownership is working on this; they have to replace his function to go into a new season,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday afternoon.

“For the moment, of course, I miss his support, the surround support, you miss that. But he moved on, he has made choices. We worked very good together. I say thank you to John and wish him all the best for the future.”

When pressed if Murtough’s exit would affect his plans, Ten Hag was simple with his reply. “No. For me, as I said previously, I work with the new ownership very good, closely together.

“It will not change, it doesn’t have an impact on the way I can work here. The conditions were perfect, they are still perfect. I am happy with that, but we want to set the right conditions to be successful.”