Latest news with #Murtough
Metro
6 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Former Man Utd director wants to sign Joshua Zirkzee for new club
Joshua Zirkzee is a summer target for Atalanta and a former senior figure at Old Trafford is hoping to help secure the move. Zirkzee only joined the Red Devils last year in a £36.5m deal, signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford. He made a bright start, scoring on his debut for the club, but that winner against Fulham was one of only three Premier League goals all season. In total the Netherlands international scored seven times in 49 appearances in all competitions in what turned out to be a disastrous campaign for the club. The 24-year-old was mainly used behind the centre-forward by Ruben Amorim but it is not entirely clear what is his best position and if he can fit into the manager's 3-4-3 system at all. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Despite his underwhelming first season in England, there is interest in taking him back to Italy, where he had enjoyed a decent season with Bologna before the switch to Manchester. Zirkzee's last campaign in Serie A saw him score 11 top flight goals, which was enough for United to splash the cash on him. Italian publication Quotidiano report that Atalanta have made Zirkzee one of their primary targets this summer as they look to replace departing star players. Mateo Retegui was not only Atalanta's star performer but finished the season as Serie A top scorer having netted 25 times in the Italian top flight, but he is leaving to join Saudi side Al-Qadsiah. Ademola Lookman is also expected to depart this summer, with Inter Milan his most likely destination. Despite the significant outgoings, Atalanta will reportedly struggle to match Zirkzee's wages at Manchester United and even a relatively low asking price of around £30m will not be easy. However, they have a man who they hope will help in the negotiations, former Manchester United football director John Murtough. After over a decade at Old Trafford, Murtough left in April 2024 and in April this year he took up the role of director of global development at Atalanta. The Serie A side hope Murtough will be a positive influence on talks, with the possibility of a loan deal with an option to buy next summer. Apps: 32Goals: 3 Assists: 1 Manchester United are revamping their forward line this summer with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo likely to follow him from Brentford. More Trending The Red Devils have made a third bid for the Cameroon international worth an initial £65m and a further £5m in add-ons. Zirkzee could be one of a string of forwards to leave Old Trafford this summer, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all on the transfer list. Juventus are reportedly keen on both Rashford and Sancho, while Garnacho has been linked with Chelsea and Real Betis want to bring Antony back after his successful loan spell last season. MORE: Newcastle identify Tottenham transfer target as new Hugo Ekitike alternative MORE: Manchester United launch improved third bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo MORE: Ruben Amorim favourite 'says yes' to Juventus after Man Utd transfer links
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Ex-Manchester United football director John Murtough joins Atalanta
Former Manchester United football director John Murtough has joined Atalanta as the Italian club's director of global development. Murtough left United in April 2024 after more than 10 years of service at the club, whom he joined in 2013 after stints working for the Premier League, Everton, Coventry City and Fulham. Advertisement The 54-year-old initially focused on United's academy and scouting, before a promotion to head of football development in 2016 and, five years later, becoming the club's first football director. Murtough's role essentially placed him in overall charge of the men's, women's and academy operations at the club, playing a key role in the arrival of Erik ten Hag as manager in 2022 and in the club's player recruitment. Murtough would have dealt with the Serie A club while at Old Trafford over the arrivals of Amad (£37million transfer fee) at United in 2020 and striker Rasmus Hojlund (£64m plus £8.5m in performance-related add-ons) three years later. Atalanta BC comunica l'ingresso di John Murtough nell'Area Sportiva del Club, della quale entra a far parte con effetto immediato in qualità di Director of Global Development.#GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 — Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) April 15, 2025 Atalanta say Murtough's role at the club will be co-ordinated by sporting director Tony D'Amico, with the aim of 'strengthening an area that aims to further develop its international vision'. Atalanta, led by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, are currently third in Serie A, seven points behind second-place Napoli and 10 from league leaders Inter. The Bergamo-based club won the 2023-24 Europa League title, just the second major trophy in their history and their first since a Coppa Italia success in 1963. (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
