Man United appoint first Football Director and confirm Darren Fletcher role

A new management structure is in place at Manchester United.

The 20-time league champions have announced the appointment of their first ever Football Director and confirmed a new role for former midfielder Darren Fletcher. United have been considering a restructure to their day-to-day management, including the appointment of a Football Director, for over two years. Today's announcement sees three new job titles while it is being reported that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 'power and authority' at the club remains "undiminished". United have announced the promotions of John Murtough to Football Director and Fletcher to Technical Director, in 'two new roles that will further strengthen the club’s football operations'. Murtough will have 'responsibility for operations and strategy across all football functions' and, the club say, will work with Solskjaer on a day-to-day basis on transfer strategies and support for the senior squad. [caption id="attachment_184091" align="aligncenter" width="3158"] Darren Fletcher pictured with former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. (Credit: Getty Images)[/caption] Fletcher, who played 342 times for United over 13 seasons, will 'focus on a co-ordinated and long-term approach to player and squad development' and be the link man between the academy and the senior squad. The Scot commented:

"It is great to be back with the club and I am delighted to be taking on this new role. "We are moving in the right direction and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Ole and his coaching team, and now with John as the Football Director, to help bring young players through and further develop the football side of the club. It’s fantastic to see that all the staff here are driving Manchester United forward towards a new era of success."

Matt Judge, who has led a lot of United's recent transfer acquisitions and sales, also has a new title - Director of Football Negotiations - and he will report to Murtough.

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