Man Utd: Woodward made 'huge error' with Solskjaer says Gray
Manchester United are carrying out a major restructure after another dismal season and appointing a sporting director is at the heart of it.
Top of the responsibility list is dealing with new signings and ensuring United have a long-term plan to resurrect their status from fallen giants.
Mike Phelan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's No.2, and Rio Ferdinand had both been mooted as possibilities. Darren Fletcher, too, has been mentioned for the job.
But Old Trafford sources say Murtagh, currently head of youth development, is a leading contender because he has support from executive vice-chairman Woodward.
Murtagh has overseen the emergence of some of United’s finest talents in recent seasons - including Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Scott Mctominay.
He started out at sports scientist at Everton under David Moyes before working up the ranks to become head of performance at the club.
Murtagh left to work for the Premier League in 2012 then moved to Old Trafford a year later to link back up with Moyes.
He is the last Moyes appointment, outside of the playing staff, to still be at the club.
Ed Woodward wants Ian Murtagh in charge of transfers (Image: GETTY )
Woodward has been looking for a new director to take charge of transfers (Image: GETTY)
As well as having a proven track record in youth development, Murtagh would also fulfill Woodward's desire of appointing for the role internally.
One of his first duties could be to wrap up the signing of 21-year-old Swansea winger Daniel James.
According to Sky Sports reporter Julian Warren, talks have already been held and a deal is now on the cards.
"United are close to agreeing a £15million deal with Swansea for their young winger Daniel James," he said on Saturday.
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Solskjaer is expected to oversee a massive transfer window for Utd (Image: GETTY )
While there is also interest from Old Trafford in Newcastle midfield Sean Longstaff, who has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Ander Herrera.
Warren added: "Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on recruiting young, homegrown talent during the summer window and we've been told he's interested in Newcastle's 21-year-old midfielder Sean Longstaff.
"Longstaff signed a new contract at St James' Park in November. That runs until 2022."