Manchester United on Wednesday appointed John Murtough as the club’s first football director. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær will now report directly to Murtough. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher was appointed to the post of technical director.

Murtough has been promoted from his previous role role as head of football development, according to The Guardian. The transfer business will be handled by Solskjær and the club’s recruitment department.

Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told The Guardian, “These are hugely important appointments that reinforce the progress we have been making as a club in recent years in our relentless pursuit of success. We have already made great strides forward in the way we run our football operations, and the benefits are visible in the resurgent pipeline of academy talent.”

He added, “John has been integral to our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the club’s traditions of bringing young players through from academy to first team will continue. This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game.”

Murtough has previously been Premier League’s head of elite performance and has also served in senior academy and development roles at other clubs. 

Following his appointment, he said, “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, academy and women’s team all performing strongly, and plenty of development still to come. It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United’s football department.”