John Murtough 'steps down' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe revolution continues

Manchester United football director John Murtough has stepped down from his post and will leave the club this week after more than 10 years’ service, as the INEOS-led restructure of sporting operations at Old Trafford continues.

The investment into United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the appointments he is making to key roles produced an expectation that Murtough would depart or be offered a different position.

But in a move now set to be officially confirmed, Murtough has decided to stand aside altogether and let the new set-up take shape.

Murtough will effectively be replaced by Dan Ashworth, once the Newcastle United sporting director’s spell of gardening leave finishes, while Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox is on course to be named technical director.