Man United key figure “set to depart” as INEOS make three major decisions

One Manchester United key figure is set to depart the Old Trafford club in one of three major decisions that INEOS have made.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are starting to get their feet under the table at United following their successful bid for part-ownership of the club.

Negotiations for new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox are underway. A deal has already been made with Manchester City for Omar Berrada to become the club’s new CEO in the new season.

Sir Dave Brailsford has been conducting a detailed audit of everything and everyone at the club. With the summer quickly approaching, there is beginning to be some movement in terms of personnel.

John Murtough to depart

John 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 since then.

The director’s future was unknown when it was confirmed that Dan Ashworth would take the role when a compensation agreement with Newcastle is made.

It was reported that United and INEOS wanted Murtough to remain at the club in a different role. However, new information reveals that he is set to depart Old Trafford after 11 years of service.

The Athletic explained that there had been a loose proposal Murtough could continue working in a reduced role, but all parties now accept a clean separation makes the most sense.

It was added that the football director’s exit will be confirmed once hires on the structural side are formalised. In the meantime, he will continue his work at Old Trafford.

Darren Fletcher reassigned

Darren Fletcher, who holds the position of technical director at Manchester United, will be reassigned to a different role within the club when Jason Wilcox joins from Southampton, The Athletic reports.

Fletcher’s move could be seen as a strategic realignment by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to optimise the club’s performance on and off the field. His expertise and experience are likely to be utilised in a different capacity.

Wilcox is a seasoned football administrator known for his contributions to youth development and talent scouting. The former Manchester City head of academy has excelled as the director of football at Southampton in the last year.

According to the aforementioned report, he is expected to engage daily with the United manager and provide a link to the hierarchy. He will also be a bridge between the youth setup and the first team, tapping into work he did at the Etihad Campus. 

INEOS’ latest Ten Hag stance

The prior report also spoke on Erik ten Hag’s situation, stating that whilst no decision has been made by INEOS, they are still planning for next season with Ten Hag at the helm.

The Dutchman is being included in meetings about recruitment and the medical department, areas viewed as requiring refinement at United. The manager is also making calls on hotels and training facilities for the pre-season tour to the United States.

It was added that there has been a good sense of collaboration and discussions between Ten Hag, Sir Dave Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently and that the idea that Ten Hag wants to be an ‘all-powerful’ manager is not the case.

The United boss understands there is a new way of working under INEOS and is willing to accept a head coach role, which was reportedly a sticking point for him beforehand.