Latest Man Utd exit could be final nail in the coffin for isolated boss Ten Hag as sweeping Ratcliffe changes continue
ERIK TEN HAG has been dealt a major blow with his biggest ally at Old Trafford, football director John Murtough, stepping down.
Murtough, who has been at Manchester United for 11 years, is the latest victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sweeping changes behind the scenes.
Former chief executive Richard Arnold announced he was stepping down in November of last year after overseeing the incredible money making commercial side of the club.
It was Murtough and Arnold who went to Amsterdam to interview Ten Hag when they were looking for a successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The pair were so impressed by the then Ajax manager’s knowledge of United and attention to detail that they were convinced he was the right man.
They have supported him ever since with Murtough constantly talking up the manager’s strengths and a need for patience during the Dutchman’s difficult second season in charge.
Now Ten Hag will feel even more isolated without any public statement of support from new part owner Ratcliffe who has control of 27.7 per cent of the club.
The owning Glazer family has given the Ineos chief power over the football side of the Red Devils and he has already made major changes.
Omar Berrada was poached from Manchester City to become the new CEO.
Jason Wilcox has quit Southampton to become technical director, while Dan Ashworth is leaving Newcastle effectively to take on Murtough’s role.
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All have been placed are gardening leave by their former clubs.
The new arrivals will also put into doubt whether former player Darren Fletcher will stay at the club as he is their current technical director.
It was initially thought that Murtough, 53, would be move into a different role at the club but has decided to stand down altogether.
Murtough joined United in 2013 having previously worked at Fulham and Everton.
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He was well liked at Old Trafford and worked tirelessly behind the scenes on the process of transferring Academy graduates into the first team.
He was also behind a number of major signings at the club as he tried to create a better recruitment model.