Former Man United director lands Serie A job after leaving Old Trafford

Former Manchester United director John Murtough has landed a job at Atalanta a year after leaving Old Trafford.

The Serie A club have confirmed that the 54-year-old executive will serve as their new director of global development.

Murtough left United back in April 2024 after more than a decade of service to the Red Devils.

When he first joined the club in 2013, he was tasked with overseeing United’s academy in Carrington and also the scouting departments.

He helped to lay the foundation for the club’s highly rated youth system, but his work in recruitment hasn’t exactly been as productive.

In 2016, Murtough was bumped up to head of football development before becoming United’s first-ever football director five years later.

He was in charge of the men’s, women’s, and academy teams and helped shape the club’s sporting direction during a crucial period.

Murtough’s impact – and there were only a handful – included hiring ex-United head coach Erik ten Hag in 2022.

The Dutchman endured a topsy-turvy spell at Old Trafford, but he did lead the club to FA Cup and EFL Cup titles during his two-year stint.

Murtough’s transfer resume includes the additions of Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. Both players joined from Murtough’s new employers for a combined £109.5 million plus add-ons.

However, only Diallo has proven to be a shrewd acquisition so far, although he needed loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland to bolster his chance of breaking into United’s first team.

Despite overseeing several hit-and-misses, Murtough was highly respected by United’s top brass. He is now set to take on a fresh challenge in Italy with Atalanta.

Murtough has been tasked with strengthening the club’s international development efforts and will work closely with sporting director Tony D’Amico.

His appointment comes at a time when Atalanta are establishing themselves as a dominant force in the Italian top flight.

Meanwhile, United continue to flounder in the Premier League, although they’d be hoping to end the season with the Europa League title in the bag.

Article written by onyekachiuwanabi .