Manchester United football director John Murtough is reportedly set to leave the club as part of widespread changes made by incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Confirmation of Ratcliffe's INEOS Group purchasing a 25% stake in the Red Devils is believed to be imminent, and several changes at boardroom level are set to take place as a result.
It has already begun as Man United announced last week that CEO Richard Arnold has stepped down from his role after 16 years at Old Trafford, with Patrick Stewart stepping in on an interim basis.
The futures of both Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison have since been called into question, and it appears that the former is on the verge on an exit.
According to the Manchester Evening News, a well-place source has told them that Murtough is 'definitely leaving' Man United when Ratcliffe arrives.
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The report adds that Ratcliffe has held virtual meetings with Man United co-chairman Joel Glazer about potential personnel changes at boardroom level, with INEOS keen to see a fresh face take control of the football department.
Further changes at the club are expected to take place, with INEOS said to have been left unimpressed with other departmental strategies at the club.
Murtough joined Man United in January 2014 and became their head of football development following a spell as the Premier League's head of elite performance.
The 52-year-old was then appointed the club's inaugural football director in March 2021 by former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
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Murtough oversaw the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and appointment of current manager Erik ten Hag, who helped the Red Devils end their six-year trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup in 2022-23, as well as securing a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
However, Man United have since suffered a notable decline this campaign and their recruitment along with performances on the pitch have been widely criticised.
Ten Hag's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, five points behind the top four and seven adrift of leaders Manchester City, while they are at serious risk of exiting the Champions League group stage.
The expected departure of Murtough could open the door for Ratcliffe to appoint former AC Milan chief Paulo Maldini as the club's new football director, with the Italian allegedly open to discussing a possible move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Man United are reportedly set to announce the appointment of former Paris Saint-Germain marketing executive Jean-Claude Blanc as the club's new CEO.
Oliver Thomas
