Manchester United are working hard behind the scenes to plot for the future and there are many questions set to be answered.
Since Ineos‘ quickfire appointment of chief executive Omar Berrada in January, who is yet to formally start work, it has been a little bit of a slow process.
Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are set to come on board, eventually, as sporting director and technical director but Manchester United may only succeed in getting one of them in time for the summer.
Nonetheless, plans continue to remodel the club, and space is being created for Ashworth and Wilcox’s eventual arrivals.
John Murtough out
John Murtough is the odd man out. He faces the axe after it was agreed there was no way forward for him at the club.
The Athletic report Murtough is ‘set to depart’, adding: “There had been a loose proposal he could continue working in a reduced role, but all parties now accept a clean separation makes most sense. Murtough’s exit should be confirmed once hires on the structural side are formalised.”
The Telegraph had reported at the end of last year that Murtough had expected to be part of the Ineos rebuild in some capacity.
Manchester United hired Murtough as football director in 2020. He was present for the Jude Bellingham negotiations, and reportedly enraged Sir Alex Ferguson for cutting short his discussion with the player.
Murtough had no previous experience in a football director role before being promoted, and it has been a tough stint. For now, he continues in his role, recently taking a trip to Barcelona to hold discussions with the club over potential deals. Famously he did so with Richard Arnold in 2022, in pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
Richard Arnold was dismissed from his role late last year, with Berrada set to take his place. Patrick Stewart is the interim CEO.
As soon as either Wilcox or Ashworth are available to join, Murtough’s tenure will come to an end.
This will be a popular decision among supporters, who doubted Murtough’s credentials for the role since day one, and have not seen enough to be disproven otherwise.
Erik ten Hag future in the balance
No decision has been taken by Ineos on the future of manager Erik ten Hag. Ideally, they would not like to ditch the Dutchman.
With so many other backroom changes in play, keeping the manager can provide some stability, however, results of the pitch have not been good.
Ten Hag has been involved in planning for next season, per The Athletic, and it is preferred that Dan Ashworth would be part of a decision on the new manager, when he starts work.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was at United’s defeat at Chelsea and did not look happy at full-time. United look unlikely to secure Champions League football for next season.
The upcoming semi-final against Coventry City is a pivotal game. Lose that and the ensuing support outcry could force Ineos’ hand, whether they like it or not.