'Very important' for Man Utd to get right sporting director: Ten Hag

London: Erik ten Hag admits it is vital for Manchester United to appoint the right director of football after the departure of his close ally John Mur...

London: Erik ten Hag admits it is vital for Manchester United to appoint the right director of football after the departure of his close ally John Murtough.

United announced this week that Murtough was stepping down from the football director role after 11 years at Old Trafford in a variety of positions.

With INEOS in control of United's football operations since Jim Ratcliffe became a co-owner in February, the British billionaire is looking at moves for Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth and Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox.

United boss Ten Hag acknowledged the significance of finding the ideal candidate for the post.

"You mention the new season, it's very important, the new ownership is working on this and we have to replace this function to go into the new season," Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.