John Murtough still doing January transfer meetings despite Man Utd getting replacement

The Manchester United director of football is believed to be on his way out of his current position with incoming owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe having already decided on his replacement

Ben Haslam

16:41, 19 Dec 2023Updated 16:49, 19 Dec 2023

John Murtough (R) has been holding transfer meetings despite continued speculation over his future(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

John Murtough has began holding meetings ahead of what could be a busy January transfer window for Manchester United - despite his exit looking as good as sealed.

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The United director of football's future has seemingly been confirmed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe moves in on buying a 25% stake in the club. Ratcliffe, whose acquisition of a quarter stake in the Premier League giant is presumed to be a matter of time, is said to be eyeing up Newcastle United's sporting director Dan Ashworth.

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Despite what has been reported, Murtough is believed to have held a number of meetings ahead of the mid-season transfer window, which opens in a matter of weeks, when under-fire manager Erik ten Hag will be desperate for reinforcements.

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Ashworth has close ties to INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford and is believed to be highly rated among Ratcliffe's team. Despite the long reported deal with Ratcliffe and United, if the deal isn't announced this week it won't be until after Christmas, with a further six to eight-week delay before it is finalised.

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This means Murtough will likely be left in his position before being placed in another role inside the club while Ashworth takes over his responsibilities, the MailOnline reports.

Will Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at Man Utd see an end to their decade long trophy drought? Let us know in the comments section below

It's thought to be just a matter of time before Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over footballing decision at United(Image: PA)

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It's understood Ratcliffe has been less than impressed with United's recruitment in the transfer market, and holds Murtough responsible. United tried but failed to sign England stars Harry Kane and Declan Rice in the summer.

The big money signings the Red Devils made instead - Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana - have all failed to impress,, leaving Ten Hag's side slumped in seventh in the Premier League table and already out of Europe, following a dismal Champions League campaign.

Murtough became United's first football director when he was promoted to the role from his previous position as the club's head of football development. He was tasked with overseeing operations and strategy across all football functions at the club.

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He joined United in November 2013, having worked with David Moyes at Everton. Prior to that that he was head of elite performance at the Premier League, following senior academy and player development roles at other clubs.