Manchester United legend Darren Fletcher becomes club technical director

Manchester United just announced that Darren Fletcher has been appointed to technical director. while John Murtough is promoted in the new role of football director.

Fletcher, who joined Solksjaer's coaching staff in January, made over 340 first team appearances for United between 2003 and 2015 and won five Premier League titles at Old Trafford.

"It is great to be back with the club and I am delighted to be taking on this new role," Fletcher said.

"We are moving in the right direction and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Ole and his coaching team, and now with John as the Football Director, to help bring young players through and further develop the football side of the club.

"It's fantastic to see that all the staff here are driving Manchester United forward towards a new era of success."

Ed Woodward, Manchester United executive vice-chairman, added: "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 reaching the first team and through our improved recruitment record.

"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.

"Darren's stellar achievements as a player and his own journey from Academy to Premier League and Champions League winner means he naturally commands respect and understands this vital part of the club's DNA."

Murtough has been at Manchester United for seven years, most recently occupying the role of head of football development.

He will work alongside manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to "align recruitment and other strategies and to ensure that the first team has the best-in-class operational support it needs", as well as "create the structures, processes and culture to deliver sustained success on the pitch" across all the teams under the Manchester United umbrella.

Matt Judge will report to Murtough under a new title of director of football negotiations.

"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," Murtough said.

"It's a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United's football department, working alongside Ole, Casey and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club."