Manchester United football director John Murtough will be replaced once Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment is given the green light, according to reports.

Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are expected to take a 25 per cent stake in the club imminently, and want to make big changes behind the scenes straight away.

It was announced last week that CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down from his role after 16 years at the club, and reports suggested Murtough could also follow him out the door.

The reasoning behind the move is that the British billionaire wants a new figurehead to take control of the football department.

Man United football director John Murtough (right) will reportedly ‘definite leave’ the club once Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives

Ratcliffe wants a new figurehead for the football department at Old Trafford

Murtough is set to follow CEO Richard Arnold (pictured) out the door, after his departure was confirmed last week

Ratcliffe has already held virtual meetings with United co-chairman Joel Glazer about probable changes, while Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford has made multiple visits to United’s training complex in recent weeks to ensure they can hit the ground running once their investment is ratified.

Read Related Also: Jurgen Klopp lets his new-look Liverpool side run the dressing room – as he praises 'natural leaders' filling void left by Jordan Henderson and James Milner

Murtough has been at United for almost 10 years after joining the club in January 2014.

He was appointed football director by former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in March 2021.

After the club turned to Erik ten Hag as their new manager last summer, United and Murtough were largely praised for their work in their first transfer window together as they signed Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.

United went on to finish third and win the Carabao Cup last season, with the South American duo starring in their first season at Old Trafford. 

But results have gone downhill this term, with United losing nine of their opening 18 matches across all competitions.

A number of the club’s summer signings have failed to impress, with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Soyan Amrabat yet to convince they can improve the team’s fortunes.

The pressure is ramping up on Ten Hag, and Murtough looks set to pay the price for United’s struggles in recent months by losing his job.