Ex-Man Utd chief Woodward left red-faced with Ratcliffe to rectify huge mistake

20 November 2023 , 13:09

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Ex-Man Utd chief Woodward left red-faced with Ratcliffe to rectify huge mistake

One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first big moves at Manchester United could be to employ a new football director previously snubbed by Ed Woodward.

After it was confirmed chief executive Richard Arnold was leaving the club last week, John Murtough is expected to soon follow him out the door. The 52-year-old was promoted to the role in March 2021, when then executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was at the helm.

Murtough had previously helped run the club's academy and was favoured over the likes of Ralf Rangnick and Paul Mitchell. Woodward was reportedly not keen on hiring Mitchell as he did not want someone who specialised in recruitment.

But despite last season's League Cup success, Murtough's influence has not yielded much in the way of on-field progression. And with Ratcliffe now planning to overhaul the club structure when he completes a 25 percent purchase of the club, Mitchell is expected to now replace the man previously appointed ahead of him.

The former Wigan player is a free agent having left his role as Monaco's sporting director earlier this year. He'd previously worked as a head of recruitment at clubs like RB Leipzig, Tottenham and Southampton.

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United's recruitment has come under intense scrutiny since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson a decade ago. Woodward oversaw the record £89million purchase of Paul Pogba in 2016, only for the player to leave for free six years later following an underwhelming stint at Old Trafford.

Ed Woodward left Manchester United in February 2022 (Getty Images)

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In the current squad, £80million man Antony and Jadon Sancho, who cost £72million, have both failed to justify their fees. And the jury is still out on Erik ten Hag's summer signings, with United lying sixth in the Premier League and on the brink of a Champions League exit.

Arnold's departure after 16 years with the club was a clear indication that Ratcliffe isn't content with the club set-up. Long-serving club chief Patrick Stewart has been appointed as interim CEO, with ex-PSG chief Jean-Claude Blanc touted as Arnold's eventual replacement.

Ratcliffe meanwhile, is edging closer to confirming his £1.3billion deal to purchase an initial 25 per cent stake in the club. An announcement confirming the deal is expected this week.

Fraser Watson