Former Celtic academy player Darren Fletcher is to join a new-look Manchester United footballing department.
Fletcher will become the storied club’s Technical Director. It’s a role which involves bridging the teams, hiring staff and having a general input into the club’s operations.
In a statement issued by Manchester United, the club claimed:
“Darren will work closely with John to add technical input and direction into all football and performance areas. He will focus on a co-ordinated and long-term approach to player and squad development, helping maintain the integral link between the Academy and the first team, aligned with Manchester United’s values and culture.”
Fletcher joins John Murtough, who will become Football Director. It’s a role akin to a Director of Football or Sporting Director, in that recruitment is a key focus. It puts pressure off Ed Woodward, whose home was attacked by angry Red Devils supporters after a disappointing transfer window last year [Mirror].
It means that Celtic have less competition for potential Director Matteo Tognozzi [Express]. Last month, reports emerged linking the ex-Juventus Chief Scout to both United and Celtic, who has been heavily linked to a Director of Football role at Celtic.
A mid-season restructuring? How Celtic can learn from Manchester United
This may seem tangentially related to Celtic, but two key things emerge here.
The first is the obvious; Tognozzi’s path to becoming Celtic Director of Football has just cleared. While David Webb is also a strong candidate for the role, Tognozzi has been touted along with Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin.
The second is that it shows club restructuring can take place mid-season. With the club umming and ahhing its way through 20-21, changes have been rumoured for the summer. What we know for certain is CEO Peter Lawwell is leaving. Moreover, Dominic McKay will take his place, and is supposedly keen on hiring Directors between himself and the playing staff.
This news, however, will encourage Celtic supporters to want change implemented sooner rather than later. A more modern, forward-thinking approach is needed. If the Bhoys have legitimate aims to compete at Europe’s top table, then it’s time for the board to start implementing a drastic overhaul.
Of course, Dominic McKay won’t start until the summer. However, he can have a say on the pieces in place for Peter Lawwell’s succession. More to the point, it makes business sense to bring in quality now. The sooner a more modern culture can take shape, the quicker Celtic can act to identify an ethos, then bring in players and a manager to suit that outlook.
Here’s looking at the board. If a traditionalist club like Manchester United can change, so can Celtic.
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