10 January 2023 , 09:06
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Manchester United have experienced a period of change over the past year, with Erik ten Hag arriving and multiple appointments being made behind the scenes.
So far, the changes appear to be working as planned, with United well set to enjoy a successful season. The Red Devils currently sit fourth in the Premier League, have reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and have a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
A key part of their rapid reversal in fortunes has been their recruitment since Ten Hag took charge. But the structure that led to them enjoying a successful summer transfer window were put in place three months before Ten Hag arrived.
Some of the moves Manchester United made in preparation for Erik ten Hag's arrival created turbulence at the club (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)The key part of those changes came in April when United announced that chief scout Jim Lawlor and head of global scouting Marcel Bout would be leaving their posts. Lawlor had been at Old Trafford for 16 years.
He had been a trusted scout of Sir Alex Ferguson's, with The Athletic reporting he was 'instrumental' in the moves for Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez. But since Ferguson's exit, Lawlor's approach appeared to clash with other club chiefs.
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He is said to have had a 'high bar' when it came to recommendations and would 'push back' during discussions on potential targets. Executives felt the approach of not signing players if their top target was not available had 'gone too far'.
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Lawlor was a key part of the recruitment team who built multiple title-winning squads (Getty Images)With the club no longer able to call on their reputation of being serial Premier League winners, it was felt that there was a shortage of options coming through. Over recent times, moves had been made to reduce Lawlor's influence.
It is said that the scout had his office at the Carrington training ground taken away, though United insisted it was so he could be out in the field. He would ultimately depart Old Trafford this year though as Ten Hag took over.
But his exit from the Red Devils has caused 'turbulence' in the months since his departure, according to The Athletic. At the time, United insisted it was Lawlor's own decision for him to step down from his role at the club.
“Jim Lawlor has decided to step down from his role as chief scout in the summer after 16 years with the club," the Red Devils said in a statement announcing his departure.
“During that time, Jim played a key role in the development of multiple trophy-winning Manchester United teams and was an important source of guidance to Sir Alex Ferguson and each of the managers who have followed him.
“Jim leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future."