Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sends parting message to John Murtough with clear demand

Erik ten Hag has called on Manchester United chiefs to swiftly resolve the vacancy left by John Murtough after the former football director departed the club earlier in the week.

The Dutch coach also praised the ex-Old Trafford chief, whose exit by mutual agreement was confirmed in a club statement on Tuesday. Murtough leaves the 13-time Premier League champions after 11 years spent across a number of roles at Carrington.

The 53-year-old’s exit was expected as United’s new hierarchy led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS look to put in place a new footballing structure. Talks continue with Newcastle and Southampton as the Red Devils look to facilitate moves for Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox

Ratcliffe is said to have met with the Magpies’ Amanda Staveley to try and resolve their pursuit of Ashworth. The sporting director was placed on gardening leave in February.

Ten Hag repeated that he is working well and closely with the new owners, so Murtough’s departure changes little in his process. He wants to ensure that conditions are in place for the club to be successful moving forwards however.

“I think it’s very important that the new ownership is working on this, to replace his function to go into a new season,” said Ten Hag.

“For the moment, of course, I miss his support, the surround support, you miss that. He has moved on, we worked very well together, so I say thank you to John and wish him all the best for the future.

Jim Ratcliffe speaking with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

“As I said previously, I work with the new ownership very well, closely together, so it doesn’t change the way I work here. It’s perfect, still perfect, so I am happy with that, but we want to set the right conditions to be successful.”

The security of the United head coach’s own position has been uncertain since the arrival of Ratcliffe. United have endured a difficult 2023/24 and one more Premier League defeat would see them equal their record of 13 losses in a single season in the division.

Ten Hag’s team are 11 points from fifth-placed Aston Villa with one game in hand of their rivals. The same gap is present to the top four with Tottenham taking up the final spot amid a three-horse title race between Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

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