As someone who was also unsure about the Matt Judge news these snippets have calmed me somewhat, Fletcher's basically being sent into negotiations with Judge to babysit him.
Manchester United name John Murtough as Football Director and Darren Fletcher as Technical Director
- Thread starter Tom Van Persie
- Start date
Because we needed someone who is proven on that position and knows everything about it. Yes, i don't like it. My opinion (in general, not just about United and football) is that for biggest jobs experience is crucial. Learning "with time" can be very costly.
Just a reminder; Ed was very good commercial management director. And then he was promoted to CEO.
But these two are already part of a pre-existing structure people deem to be underperforming depending on who you ask. We are pinning our hopes on the chance that what the club needed to turn around its fortunes already existed at the club and we just hadn't realised till now. The skepticism isn't quite the irrational hope for an exotic name you misrepresent it as
We’re changing that structure though. That’s what these appointments are doing.
So just changed the title on their name cards. We could as well have the Canteen Director, Kits Director, Bus Director etc.
I'm less concerned with the DOF appointment because I can see evidence of Murtough's work in the club so far. Fletcher has been a coach for about 5 minutes and is now given a big job in the club. Who knows, maybe he's got a great footballing brain and that's why Ferguson liked him so much.
Always got the feeling we are scared to admit as such, which is why some sagas go all summer.
Who says we need someone proven? Who says its even a complicated job?
So should be easy for you to find proof then?
Not going to lie - just seems like we’ve given them new titles without actually changing anything. But will give it time.
This announcement can only be a good thing and well overdue.
Cheap option then
We've already had one of the bolded and it didn't work out, he's since took up a new role as Bus Director at Spurs.
I was more focusing on the 'experience' aspect of the point rather than anything to do with either clubs history or culture.
Can he fly around the world so fast that we go back to 2013 and not appoint Moyes.
If people actually read what Woodward said about the appointments they will clearly see the startegy. Its very much an emphasis on rearing our own. Murtough's experience is in development, Fletcher as well as being the 'football man' is identified as the guy overall responsible for academy to fist team. Butt's role is more as a hands on coach implementing Fletcher's strategy and technical plan.
Given the new economics of the post-covid world this makes great sense. United do not need a 'name' who will somehow know about world stars and attract them to the club. United know the world stars and are always one of the clubs contacted by agents. Those deals will occur far less frequently moving forwards. Its far far more important to recognise young talent and successfully bring them through to fruition now as never before.
Both these men are intelligent operators and should work well with Ole. It makes good sense.
Given the new economics of the post-covid world this makes great sense. United do not need a 'name' who will somehow know about world stars and attract them to the club. United know the world stars and are always one of the clubs contacted by agents. Those deals will occur far less frequently moving forwards. Its far far more important to recognise young talent and successfully bring them through to fruition now as never before.
Both these men are intelligent operators and should work well with Ole. It makes good sense.
I'll reserve my judgement until 3-4 years when you can start to see the direction we're going in.
That sounds like Nick Butt's role
Is Fletcher really capable? Would love to understand what his inputs have been so far.
Everton fans probably so don't worry they hate Liverpool.
But Moyes appointed him.
If anything we've been accused of over complicating matters in the past.
Came to say this
He's a very smart man, knows football as good as anybody.
I suspect he'll do a great job.
Timing is interesting though.
I would say that it signals a big summer investment to reinforce and give credibility to the new roles.
So may not ultimately be cheap In that sense.
Chimes with this bit from the MEN:
Certainly being presented as if they were looking for a more holisitic appointment than a recruitment-focused one.
signs "Sancho, Haaland, Grealish & Varane this summer" - AND MURTOUGH HAS WON IT !
Let's just see what happens before you all write them off.
Can’t believe after all these years we’ve been crying out for a DOF but when we get one there’s people found something to moan about. Give the guy a chance!
Michael Edwards wasn't proven, he was a data analyst before he joined Liverpool, now he's probably the best DoF in the business, similar to Marina Granovskaia at Chelsea who's also very highly regarded. Marc Overmars was a youth coach before becoming DoF at football. Monchi was considered one of the best around at Sevilla but moved and was an absolute trainwreck at Roma, he returned to Sevilla to use his own previous established infrastructure.
There's definitely value to internal appointments, there's no DoF transfer market where you just dip in and pluck the best one, that's why DoF's barely ever move. They're the ones who set up the infrastructure at the clubs they're at, much like Murtough has been doing regarding our scouting system. The articles suggest he's basically been acting as our DoF for the last 2 seasons. Realistically we're going to have no idea how good he is until we see a few transfer windows, we've made some excellent signings at academy level over the last few years so there's at least some promise to our scouting system.
Hasn't made a single signing yet... 
I hope you’re right, I’m a bit more cynical.
We've been giving the guy 7 yrs we just didn't know it!
Difficult to know how capable Fletcher is but the lack of experience is the obvious issue. Open minded about it though.
Sounds like Murtaugh is getting more than just a title change, as some suggest. This should mean he runs the department that deals with transfers. Obviously he could still just be a puppet but simply having proper channels to go through will surely help, and having someone who’s sole job is to oversee improving the department should too.
Sounds like Murtaugh is getting more than just a title change, as some suggest. This should mean he runs the department that deals with transfers. Obviously he could still just be a puppet but simply having proper channels to go through will surely help, and having someone who’s sole job is to oversee improving the department should too.
I love hearing Fletcher talk about football. He has so much knowledge.
YouTube 'Darren Fletcher analysis" and you should see what i mean. He's the kobe beef and the likes of Micah Richards & Souness are the 99p cheeseburger
YouTube 'Darren Fletcher analysis" and you should see what i mean. He's the kobe beef and the likes of Micah Richards & Souness are the 99p cheeseburger
So where do you think DoF must be from?
I don't have a very strong opinion on this as I don't know enough about Murtough or how exactly it'll all work.
But I've read the job descriptions and that sounds OK. And I'm pleased the role has been created, and I like the idea of Fletcher being a link between it all. How this particular couple will adjust to the roles, and work together, remains to be seen - but, overall, it seems positive news and another step in the right direction.
But I've read the job descriptions and that sounds OK. And I'm pleased the role has been created, and I like the idea of Fletcher being a link between it all. How this particular couple will adjust to the roles, and work together, remains to be seen - but, overall, it seems positive news and another step in the right direction.
What exactly is wrong with this approach? United have never had such a position in their history - it seems sensible to me to approach it this way, especially in the current climate.
Some fans are simply never happy.
So the guy I kept mentioning when people claim that Woodward doesn't have football people around him, finally get the position. That's a surprise.