Murtough, Fletcher & "Manager" dynamic

Skills · Oct 26, 2021

Where do each of these guys currently sit in the chain of hierarchy? Who's accountable to who and do you imagine that changing if we get a new manager?

It feels a bit strange, that we have a director of football but the guys who are apparently calling the shots on Solskjaer's future are the likes of Woodward/Arnold. Now to a degree, this could just be because we had to create a role for Murtough without looking like we were installing someone above Solskjaer in the hierrarchy (i guess thats the challenge of bringing in a DOF with a manager already in place). Fletcher's role especially doesn't seem to make any sense in this? Does he answer to both Solskjaer and Murtough?

clarkydaz · Oct 26, 2021

it shows the whole thing is a facade and not much has changed. Fletcher is on the training pitch having a kickaround with the players

Revan · Oct 26, 2021

Fletcher answers to Murtough but also helps Carrick/McKenna in the training, so answers to Ole in that direction. Why he does both of these jobs? No one knows.

Murtough is technically at the same level as Ole. He reports to Ed, same as Ole. So Ole does not work under him, but with him.

CEO chooses the next manager in most/all clubs. DoF helps in the choosing by providing a list of candidates with pros and cons, but in general he is not above the manager in many of the clubs (different to NBA).

Tom Van Persie · Oct 26, 2021

Going by the Athletic article from a couple of weeks ago it sounds like Murtough and Fletcher will be more involved once Woodward departs. Arnold is replacing Woodward as chief executive not as executive vice chairman and will mainly leave footballing matters to the football side.

Flytan · Oct 26, 2021

My biggest question is about Woodward. He said he was leaving. Then he decided to stay for 6 months. And now 6 months more. Who asked for this? Do the Glazers not trust Fletcher and Murtough so they want Ed to stay longer? Does Woodward regret saying he was leaving and wants to stay? Does Woodward think Murtough and Fletcher were mistakes and wants to try to correct it? Did Murtough and Fletcher ask him to stay because they aren't ready to take over? Regardless it's a shitshow but I really want to know what the dynamic is between all this. It's a great question.

ti vu · Oct 26, 2021

Revan said:
Fletcher answers to Murtough but also helps Carrick/McKenna in the training, so answers to Ole in that direction. Why he does both of these jobs? No one knows.

Murtough is technically at the same level as Ole. He reports to Ed, same as Ole. So Ole does not work under him, but with him.

CEO chooses the next manager in most/all clubs. DoF helps in the choosing by providing a list of candidates with pros and cons, but in general he is not above the manager in many of the clubs (different to NBA).

This is where it gets complicated. With a DoF, they clubs usually go for a head coaches. The head coaches is subjected to answer to DOF authority.

For example Poch Spurs. He got promoted to manager from his initial head coach position during his time there. He himself wanted more control. It broke the previous structure, to do away with a DOF even, which there was some debate with hindsight, Spurs actually did well in player recruitment department. Their struggling was getting the head coach. Unfortunately they then turn the problem to opposition direction, so it backfired with someone like Paul Mitchell didn't feel appreciated for his role and left. Poch's own signings didn't work, and Spurs over time lost their edge in player recruitment.

KiD MoYeS · Oct 26, 2021

I did raise this in one of the many Ole threads. Either Fletcher/Murtough haven't a clue either or have no real say over footballing matters, I would imagine it is the latter.

Rhyme Animal · Oct 26, 2021

clarkydaz said:
it shows the whole thing is a facade and not much has changed. Fletcher is on the training pitch having a kickaround with the players

Not serious surely?

femto · Oct 26, 2021

I was a bit disappointed to see Flecther mentioned as a potential caretaker yesterday. Given that he's one of the key 'football people' involved with decision making then you would hope he'd be busy working on the next appointment. The last thing you'd want is the new guy coming in and looking over his shoulder thinking Fletcher fancies the job.

As others have said, not entirely sure why he's kicking about on the training pitch, I assume he's there almost as an observer so if any issues arise he'll have a good feel for the mood in the camp. I prefer that option to it being that we're just short-handed and Fletch has to muck in helping with the cones.

Mickeza · Oct 26, 2021

I think the fact the discussion about changing manager yesterday contained Woodward, Avram, Joel and Arnold says a lot about how much influence the director of football actually has…

Revan · Oct 26, 2021

femto said:
I was a bit disappointed to see Flecther mentioned as a potential caretaker yesterday. Given that he's one of the key 'football people' involved with decision making then you would hope he'd be busy working on the next appointment. The last thing you'd want is the new guy coming in and looking over his shoulder thinking Fletcher fancies the job.

As others have said, not entirely sure why he's kicking about on the training pitch, I assume he's there almost as an observer so if any issues arise he'll have a good feel for the mood in the camp. I prefer that option to it being that we're just short-handed and Fletch has to muck in helping with the cones.

He came in the club as a coach, and since he got promoted, he still has some coaching duties. So he is helping McKenna and Carrick in the trainings.

Of course it is pretty stupid that a technical director is a part-time coach. But then it is also stupid that someone with 0 experience is a technical director, and the third most important football man in the club (after Ole and Murtough).

But then we are Incompetence FC so it is not very surprising.

0le · Oct 26, 2021

Revan said:
He came in the club as a coach, and since he got promoted, he still has some coaching duties. So he is helping McKenna and Carrick in the trainings.

Of course it is pretty stupid that a technical director is a part-time coach. But then it is also stupid that someone with 0 experience is a technical director, and the third most important football man in the club (after Ole and Murtough).

But then we are Incompetence FC so it is not very surprising.

How things have descended into such utter incompetence and mediocrity :lol:

. It sounds so unbelievable reading things like this. You honestly could not make it up if you tried.

Skills · Nov 20, 2021

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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

Amir · Nov 20, 2021

Skills said:
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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

He's filling the 'You wanted a DOF - here's your DOF' role.

clarkydaz · Nov 20, 2021

Skills said:
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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

it almost as if they blagged it to the public to keep things the same

JPRouve · Nov 20, 2021

Skills said:
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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

Who told yout that he wasn't involved earlier, the DOF isn't the highest in the hierarchy and the list of people that is mentioned is the CEOs and the CFO. If that tweet is accurate Ole is done.

Adnan · Nov 20, 2021

.

Skills said:
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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

It's clearly stated in the article that the talks are centred around Solskjaer's compensation costs.

tomaldinho1 · Nov 20, 2021

Skills said:
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Why isn't our DOF involved in this? What is Murtough's actual role then if he's not involved in something as critical as the managers future

Remember he’s not actually a DoF.

Bastian · Nov 20, 2021

tomaldinho1 said:
Remember he’s not actually a DoF.

That's what I think too.

Van Piorsing · Nov 20, 2021

Contracts handout is the only dynamic. Murtough is surrounded by former United players who help each other.

Him trying to create any type of quality control will be biggest job for any talented DoF in football.

Swedish_Plumber · Nov 20, 2021

It’s gonna be Fletcher in until the end of the season and then Rodgers isn’t it?

MrBest · Nov 20, 2021

I'd rather Rooney than Fletcher, at least he has some experience under his belt. Saying that, what we need is no ex players taking over in any capacity at this club, apart from VDS who I would love as CEO but yeah, that is not happening.

Jacko21 · Nov 20, 2021

Half expecting Murtough to be outed as a saboteur. The Liverpudlian in the heart of Carrington for 8 years and counting…

(In reality, I know nothing about his role or whether he’s well thought of.)

tomaldinho1 · Nov 20, 2021

Bastian said:
That's what I think too.

No I’m saying he’s actually not. They gave him a deliberately different title because his role is different but it’s similar enough that fans just assume he works like a DoF.

Bastian · Nov 20, 2021

tomaldinho1 said:
No I’m saying he’s actually not. They gave him a deliberately different title because his role is different but it’s similar enough that fans just assume he works like a DoF.

Sure, Football Director. Thing is, his mandate is a very nebulous phenomena, regardless of title. There was great hoo-ha about this appointment and yet there's nothing tangible about decision making authority.

I think it was actually Rangnick who said, when we were linked to some bona fide DoF, that it would be pointless without true authority. I think they could have appointed someone as DoF, without the actual authority.

It really would have to be an outside man coming in with a bag of prestige to leverage the board and be too concerned with his own ambitions and reputation to toe whatever line he's meant to (same with managers).

#07 · Feb 1, 2022

I am confused by what John Murtough's job actually consists of.

When the press release accompanying Rangnick's hire came with a quote from him, I thought the club was serious about his role as Football Director.

However, throughout the transfer window we've seen reports that the club did not want to buy players that the next coach may not want.

Personally, that baffles me. If you have a Football Director aren't they responsible for picking the coach? If so, wouldn't they know (based on the reasons they're picking the coach) what type of player will work will with that coach?

For example, I'm fairly sure that if Ten Hag leaves Ajax in the summer, Marc Overmars will pick a new coach who suits the Ajax style. Also, as Football Director, he will recruit players that fit that style. So there won't be any disconnection between the coach and the players.

So what exactly is Murtough's job if its not identifying what style he wants United to play and a coach and players to make that happen? We've seen stuff in the Athletic about what coaches United are looking at. None of them have much in common with Rangnick or with each other. So, again, is our Football Director actually presenting some plan for the future and advising the Board to recruit in line of that? Or is his role, what a lot of people feared, just a PR move from the Board?

We went for an internal appointment when there were proven, world-class Football Directors on the market. Is that cos we knew a proper Football Director would want proper power, which our Board just isn't willing to surrender?

Trex · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
I am confused by what John Murtough's job actually consists of.

When the press release accompanying Rangnick's hire came with a quote from him, I thought the club was serious about his role as Football Director.

However, throughout the transfer window we've seen reports that the club did not want to buy players that the next coach may not want.

Personally, that baffles me. If you have a Football Director aren't they responsible for picking the coach? If so, wouldn't they know (based on the reasons they're picking the coach) what type of player will work will with that coach?

For example, I'm fairly sure that if Ten Hag leaves Ajax in the summer, Marc Overmars will pick a new coach who suits the Ajax style. Also, as Football Director, he will recruit players that fit that style. So there won't be any disconnection between the coach and the players.

So what exactly is Murtough's job if its not identifying what style he wants United to play and a coach and players to make that happen? We've seen stuff in the Athletic about what coaches United are looking at. None of them have much in common with Rangnick or with each other. So, again, is our Football Director actually presenting some plan for the future and advising the Board to recruit in line of that? Or is his role, what a lot of people feared, just a PR move from the Board?

We went for an internal appointment when there were proven, world-class Football Directors on the market. Is that cos we knew a proper Football Director would want proper power, which our Board just isn't willing to surrender?

Why bother this much, United is a joke of a club now this and have peace.

MileStolar · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
I am confused by what John Murtough's job actually consists of.

When the press release accompanying Rangnick's hire came with a quote from him, I thought the club was serious about his role as Football Director.

However, throughout the transfer window we've seen reports that the club did not want to buy players that the next coach may not want.

Personally, that baffles me. If you have a Football Director aren't they responsible for picking the coach? If so, wouldn't they know (based on the reasons they're picking the coach) what type of player will work will with that coach?

For example, I'm fairly sure that if Ten Hag leaves Ajax in the summer, Marc Overmars will pick a new coach who suits the Ajax style. Also, as Football Director, he will recruit players that fit that style. So there won't be any disconnection between the coach and the players.

So what exactly is Murtough's job if its not identifying what style he wants United to play and a coach and players to make that happen? We've seen stuff in the Athletic about what coaches United are looking at. None of them have much in common with Rangnick or with each other. So, again, is our Football Director actually presenting some plan for the future and advising the Board to recruit in line of that? Or is his role, what a lot of people feared, just a PR move from the Board?

We went for an internal appointment when there were proven, world-class Football Directors on the market. Is that cos we knew a proper Football Director would want proper power, which our Board just isn't willing to surrender?

Maybe he doesn't know who's next manager going to be. He can't buy players based on what he thinks next manager might want. I'm as big a muppet as anyone and love me some incomings but not buying anyone in Jan is better than another Van de Beek situation.

#07 · Feb 1, 2022

MileStolar said:
Maybe he doesn't know who's next manager going to be. He can't buy players based on what he thinks next manager might want. I'm as big a muppet as anyone and love me some incomings but not buying anyone in Jan is better than another Van de Beek situation.

But surely, as Football Director, he must have an idea of the kind of coach he wants.

Do you think Marc Overmars has absolutely no idea of the type of coach he would want to replace Ten Hag?

Of course, nobody knows exactly who the next coach will be. However, surely the Football Director must have a vague idea of the type of coach he wants. Does he want a coach who plays reactive football, does he want a coach who tries to dominate the ball? Does he want a pressing coach? If so, what kind of pressing? The Pep Guardiola style, the more Heavy Metal Jurgen Klopp style?

If your Football Director can't answer these questions, how can he possibly create a shortlist of managerial candidates that's coherent? You end up just doing what we've done for the past nine years: Going from one big name to another, which is the root of a lot of our problems. Since we buy players for managers, rather than recruit players and managers to suit a certain idea or style of football.

Trex · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
But surely, as Football Director, he must have an idea of the kind of coach he wants.

Do you think Marc Overmars has absolutely no idea of the type of coach he would want to replace Ten Hag?

Of course, nobody knows exactly who the next coach will be. However, surely the Football Director must have a vague idea of the type of coach he wants. Does he want a coach who plays reactive football, does he want a coach who tries to dominate the ball? Does he want a pressing coach? If so, what kind of pressing? The Pep Guardiola style, the more Heavy Metal Jurgen Klopp style?

If your Football Director can't answer these questions, how can he possibly create a shortlist of managerial candidates that's coherent? You end up just doing what we've done for the past nine years: Going from one big name to another, which is the root of a lot of our problems. Since we buy players for managers, rather than recruit players and managers to suit a certain idea or style of football.

Do you have any faith in Murtough, he has already been involved long enough to prove he isn't the person to elevate us.
Rangnick is the only new element, and we don't know what power he will have (if any at all).

#07 · Feb 1, 2022

Trex said:
Do you have any faith in Murtough, he has already been involved long enough to prove he isn't the person to elevate us.
Rangnick is the only new element, and we don't know what power he will have (if any at all).

Honestly, no I don't believe in Murtough. I thought Rangnick was a smart appointment but now I'm wondering how much of it was his appointment? Maybe the Board just let him badge it to make their PR more effective.

However, I do want Manchester United to have a proper Director of Football. If the role is exposed to be nothing more than a human shield for the Glazers, the kind of 'best in class' Football Director we need won't even think of doing it. So I'd rather have Murtough given a crack at doing it and fail, than just have him be a smiling figurehead.

GBBQ · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
I am confused by what John Murtough's job actually consists of.

When the press release accompanying Rangnick's hire came with a quote from him, I thought the club was serious about his role as Football Director.

However, throughout the transfer window we've seen reports that the club did not want to buy players that the next coach may not want.

Personally, that baffles me. If you have a Football Director aren't they responsible for picking the coach? If so, wouldn't they know (based on the reasons they're picking the coach) what type of player will work will with that coach?

For example, I'm fairly sure that if Ten Hag leaves Ajax in the summer, Marc Overmars will pick a new coach who suits the Ajax style. Also, as Football Director, he will recruit players that fit that style. So there won't be any disconnection between the coach and the players.

So what exactly is Murtough's job if its not identifying what style he wants United to play and a coach and players to make that happen? We've seen stuff in the Athletic about what coaches United are looking at. None of them have much in common with Rangnick or with each other. So, again, is our Football Director actually presenting some plan for the future and advising the Board to recruit in line of that? Or is his role, what a lot of people feared, just a PR move from the Board?

We went for an internal appointment when there were proven, world-class Football Directors on the market. Is that cos we knew a proper Football Director would want proper power, which our Board just isn't willing to surrender?

Was there any player available that was guaranteed to improve our team? January is always difficult to get the right player in and I don’t know that it makes any sense for Murtough to buy a player just to prove he can.

We have a number of questions marks regarding what the team will look like next season. Will Pogba stay or go? Will VDB acclimate to the PL at Everton. Will Ronaldo want out? I am hoping that the new manager will be backed and we sign players they want that also fits our overall plans for the future.

tomaldinho1 · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
I am confused by what John Murtough's job actually consists of.

When the press release accompanying Rangnick's hire came with a quote from him, I thought the club was serious about his role as Football Director.

However, throughout the transfer window we've seen reports that the club did not want to buy players that the next coach may not want.

Personally, that baffles me. If you have a Football Director aren't they responsible for picking the coach? If so, wouldn't they know (based on the reasons they're picking the coach) what type of player will work will with that coach?

For example, I'm fairly sure that if Ten Hag leaves Ajax in the summer, Marc Overmars will pick a new coach who suits the Ajax style. Also, as Football Director, he will recruit players that fit that style. So there won't be any disconnection between the coach and the players.

So what exactly is Murtough's job if its not identifying what style he wants United to play and a coach and players to make that happen? We've seen stuff in the Athletic about what coaches United are looking at. None of them have much in common with Rangnick or with each other. So, again, is our Football Director actually presenting some plan for the future and advising the Board to recruit in line of that? Or is his role, what a lot of people feared, just a PR move from the Board?

We went for an internal appointment when there were proven, world-class Football Directors on the market. Is that cos we knew a proper Football Director would want proper power, which our Board just isn't willing to surrender?

First and I think quite obviously we didn't want to spend money in Jan. We got linked to loads of players but nothing was anywhere close to official and it seems as though we weren't really in the market at all.

Second, I genuinely think we've realised how little hands on elite coaching has happened at the club since LVG left and there's a genuine hope we will see continued improvements in the younger players and more debuts. If we can get top four and have a number of youngsters have good bit-part seasons I will be very happy. Then summer is about getting the right guy in and getting him his top 2 or 3 targets.

HailtotheKing · Feb 1, 2022

Trex said:
Do you have any faith in Murtough, he has already been involved long enough to prove he isn't the person to elevate us.
Rangnick is the only new element, and we don't know what power he will have (if any at all).

Yup, that's the most worrying thing of all of this. If he has power, I have a bit more faith. If not then we will just go on repeating our mistakes and fall further and further behind.
The Glazers clearly don't care about football. Otherwise they would have fired Woodward long ago for all the terrible decisions he's made and his repeated mistakes. It's just unfathomable that any normal business owner wouldn't fire him and Judge. So this whole Rangnick upstairs thing feels too good to believe.

HailtotheKing · Feb 1, 2022

Amir said:
He's filling the 'You wanted a DOF - here's your DOF' role.

Totally missed this. WTF was Matt Judge our chief negotiator doing in a discussion about the future of our coach when our so-called DOF wasn't? Ridiculous!

MileStolar · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
But surely, as Football Director, he must have an idea of the kind of coach he wants.

Do you think Marc Overmars has absolutely no idea of the type of coach he would want to replace Ten Hag?

Of course, nobody knows exactly who the next coach will be. However, surely the Football Director must have a vague idea of the type of coach he wants. Does he want a coach who plays reactive football, does he want a coach who tries to dominate the ball? Does he want a pressing coach? If so, what kind of pressing? The Pep Guardiola style, the more Heavy Metal Jurgen Klopp style?

If your Football Director can't answer these questions, how can he possibly create a shortlist of managerial candidates that's coherent? You end up just doing what we've done for the past nine years: Going from one big name to another, which is the root of a lot of our problems. Since we buy players for managers, rather than recruit players and managers to suit a certain idea or style of football.

Yeah I agree with your idea, but you're painting it a bit simpler than it is.

Say for example we want Ten Hag, but he's a bit different than Ralf who's here till summer and maybe even longer.
You have few possible players that you can buy now, who do you buy? Ralf's type of player who may be super energetic and defensive but lack playmaking and on ball abilities or go for more of a Ten Hag controlling midfielder who may not shine under Ralf. Buying players for the sake of it is just throwing shit at the wall hoping it sticks.

You said Football Director should know what kind of coach he wants and what type of players would suit that kind of coach, while I agree with that you too have to understand that the man just stepped on into the job and we don't even know if he has the power to pull the strings as he sees fit, he may as well be just another yes man...

Anyway now that he stands where he stands I think he won't be in rush to make rash decisions. As a matter of fact he didn't succumb to the pressure of panic buying which is good. I don't know shit about Murtough but I'd give him benefit of the doubt and wait a bit more time before I judge.

roseguy64 · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
Honestly, no I don't believe in Murtough. I thought Rangnick was a smart appointment but now I'm wondering how much of it was his appointment? Maybe the Board just let him badge it to make their PR more effective.

However, I do want Manchester United to have a proper Director of Football. If the role is exposed to be nothing more than a human shield for the Glazers, the kind of 'best in class' Football Director we need won't even think of doing it. So I'd rather have Murtough given a crack at doing it and fail, than just have him be a smiling figurehead.

So the board made Murtough meet up with Rangnick years ago just for this long con?

It's likely a process where Woodward was still involved and had the final word. While allowing Arnold and Murtough to take over more of their roles.

Also, remember that Joel Glazer is the ultimate and can veto anything/make his own suggestions.

The Boy · Feb 1, 2022

The Athletic did a good article last year explaining how the set up would work at United

https://theathletic.com/2440726/2021/03/10/john-murtough-darren-fletcher-manchester-united/

If you're not a member the key bits are here

Darren Fletcher will augment his coaching responsibilities by working as United’s first technical director, while John Murtough has been promoted to football director, becoming the most senior suit operating at Carrington.

Ed Woodward will still oversee the whole business, reporting directly into Joel Glazer, but the structural change beneath him should, United believe, provide more overall clarity and a smoother approach to recruitment specifically.

Making the leap to the world of big-money senior transfers, with all the extra egos that entails, will need navigation from Murtough, who will become the first point of contact for most agents and clubs looking to sell players to United and vice versa. His promotion allows Woodward to take a step back from fielding as many calls.

It also means Matt Judge’s responsibilities shift away from the foreground. He will now report into Murtough and takes on a new title that suits his tasks better. Judge becomes head of negotiations, rather than head of corporate development, which did not accurately represent his work.

Murtough’s responsibilities extend beyond recruitment, into the general flow of life at Carrington, and in that he will be assisted by current personnel.

In a relatively young set-up, Mike Phelan remains an important cog as one of the elder statesmen at Carrington, having enjoyed the rare experience of winning the title as a player and coach, and he will work with Murtough on a variety of issues. The 58-year-old is a trusted voice on transfers, having scouted Bellingham and Bruno Fernandes with Solskjaer.

Mr. Ant · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
But surely, as Football Director, he must have an idea of the kind of coach he wants.

Do you think Marc Overmars has absolutely no idea of the type of coach he would want to replace Ten Hag?

Of course, nobody knows exactly who the next coach will be. However, surely the Football Director must have a vague idea of the type of coach he wants. Does he want a coach who plays reactive football, does he want a coach who tries to dominate the ball? Does he want a pressing coach? If so, what kind of pressing? The Pep Guardiola style, the more Heavy Metal Jurgen Klopp style?

If your Football Director can't answer these questions, how can he possibly create a shortlist of managerial candidates that's coherent? You end up just doing what we've done for the past nine years: Going from one big name to another, which is the root of a lot of our problems. Since we buy players for managers, rather than recruit players and managers to suit a certain idea or style of football.

I'm worried too. It looks like we have no real plan. Just look at our supposed targets. Ten Hag loves pressing but he also likes possession. Poch was closer to Ralf when he was at Southampton and early in his stint at Spurs, but he became much more pragmatic after that.

It looks like the club wants to hire a big name manager who is associated with pressing in any way because it's modern even though their tactics when it comes to attacking are different. One of them will want players who have excellent close control and can play quick passing game and the other will want quick and direct players.

That is why the brief says the club doesn't want to sign players because what if the new manager doesn't like the players. It's shocking planning in my opinion. If we can't hire Ten Hag or Poch well we should hire someone else who fits one of those styles of football.

Trex · Feb 1, 2022

#07 said:
Honestly, no I don't believe in Murtough. I thought Rangnick was a smart appointment but now I'm wondering how much of it was his appointment? Maybe the Board just let him badge it to make their PR more effective.

However, I do want Manchester United to have a proper Director of Football. If the role is exposed to be nothing more than a human shield for the Glazers, the kind of 'best in class' Football Director we need won't even think of doing it. So I'd rather have Murtough given a crack at doing it and fail, than just have him be a smiling figurehead.

Let's no kid ourselves, if you have worked in any organization near the top, you would understand how this things work, its all down to the owners and what they want, at Man utd the owners want to maximize profit, everything else is secondary, this club can hire the best manager, the best Dof and we'll be contesting the league with City and the UCl as well. The club is too wealthy and prestigious to be failing on the pitch if it matters all that to the owners. We could be everything city are if the owners wanted that over profits

Murtough, Fletcher & "Manager" dynamic

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