More change at Man Utd! John Murtough steps down as football director at Old Trafford after turbulent 10-year tenure as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on Jason Wilcox & Dan Ashworth appointments

Murtough has called time on his career at Old Trafford after 10 turbulent years with the Red Devils. The football director's exit has been expected for some time, with Ratcliffe anticipated to make changes following his arrival at the club. United hope to replace Murtough with Dan Ashworth, who is currently on gardening leave from Newcastle United. The Red Devils are also aiming to appoint Southampton's Jason Wilcox as the club's new technical director, while Omar Berrada is due to start work as the club's CEO in the summer after being lured away from Manchester City.

A summer of sweeping change is on the cards as Ratcliffe aims to bring glory back to United and turn the club back into title-contenders. Murtough has often been criticised for his work at Old Trafford after overseeing a transfer policy that has failed to pay off. Murtough also played a key role in bringing Erik ten Hag to United, but the manager's position also appears uncertain after a difficult campaign that sees the team currently down in sixth place in the Premier League table.

Ratcliffe said, in a statement released by the club: "We want to thank John for his loyal service over many years, and for his support and integrity during this period of transition. "He leaves with our best wishes for the future."

Joel Glazer, co-chairman of United, added: "After 11 years of tireless work for the club, John has mutually agreed with us that now is the right time to step aside and allow the new football leadership structure to be put in place. He will always be welcome back at Manchester United as a friend of the club."

There is likely to be plenty of scrutiny on Ten Hag in the final weeks of the season as United aim to finish on a high. The Red Devils face an uphill battle to qualify for next season's Champions League but have made it through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and a Wembley date with Coventry City.