Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Manchester United claimed victory over Norwich to keep alive their Champions League hopes. Photo: Twitter @ManUtd
Clear-out begins at Manchester United: Chief scout leaves after 16 years
Significant changes appear to be starting at embattled Manchester United as two leading scouts are set to leave the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Manchester United claimed victory over Norwich to keep alive their Champions League hopes. Photo: Twitter @ManUtd
Following on from Tuesday night’s 4-0 loss to Arsenal, Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick stated unequivocally that there needs to be wholesale changes at the club.
“It’s embarrassing, it’s disappointing, maybe even humiliating. We have to accept Liverpool are six years ahead of us now.” he commented.
“There will be a rebuild for sure but that does not help us when we still have five games to play. If you analyse the situation it is not difficult to analyse. For me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players. Before you sign those players you need to be aware how you want to play.”
As it is, United are set to conclude a forgettable season where they never really stood a chance of securing any meaningful silverware, while they are currently in sixth place on the Premier League table, and unlikely to secure a coveted top-four spot.
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In a report for The Athletic publication, it’s now been revealed that club’s chief scout, Jim Lawlor, and Marcel Bout, the head of global scouting, have both departed the Premier League side.
Manchester United issued the following statement:
“Jim Lawlor has decided to step down from his role as chief scout in the summer after 16 years with the club.
“During that time, Jim played a key role in the development of multiple trophy-winning Manchester United teams and was an important source of guidance to Sir Alex Ferguson and each of the managers who have followed him.
“Jim leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future.
“Marcel Bout has departed from his role as head of global scouting after eight years with the club. A respected figure within and outside of Manchester United, Marcel has played an important part as an assistant coach and in the strengthening of our scouting capabilities in recent years.
“Marcel leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future.”
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