Update: ‘Pleased to announce’ – Former Manchester United football director John Murtough lands new job News

Former Man Utd football director John Murtough left his role last year and he’s now landed a new job in football.

Italian club Atalanta have appointed John Murtough as the director of global development.

Murtough was appointed as Manchester United’s inaugural football director in March 2021, but he felt last year was the right time to step aside as Sir Jim Ratcliffe invested in the club.

The 54-year-old’s resignation was accepted last April and he has been out of work since. However, Murtough has joined Atalanta, who are on course to qualify for the Champions League for a third successive season. Atalanta also won the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen last May.

Murtough oversaw the appointment of Erik ten Hag from Ajax, which preceded a successful 2022/23, but United hugely regressed last season and recruitment continued to be poor.

The statement confirming Murtough’s appointment said: “Atalanta BC are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Murtough as director of global development within the club’s sports department, effective immediately.

“The 54-year-old English executive, who will report directly to sporting director Tony D’Amico, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the club’s international strategy and vision.

“This appointment marks Mr. Murtough’s first professional experience in Italy, following a distinguished career in England where he held various senior executive roles. His notable previous positions include roles at Everton, Fulham, Coventry City, Everton again, the FA Premier League, and Manchester United.

“The Percassi and Pagliuca families, together with the entire club, extend a warm welcome to Mr Murtough and wish him every success in his new role within Atalanta BC’s sports department.”

Murtough spent a total of 11 years in various positions at Old Trafford. He was promoted from within and was one of the earliest behind-the-scenes hires of Ed Woodward’s tenure.

He saw off budding external candidates to assume the football director role.

When Murtough left United, Ratcliffe said: “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.”

—

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.