Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward believes the appointments of John Murtough as football director and Darren Fletcher as technical director show the club's progress.
United have finally made the step to hire their first ever football director, although the promotion of Murtough from within the club surprised many.
According to Woodward, the moves shows that United have made 'great strides forward' in the way they run their football operations.
Speaking about Murtough specifically, Woodward believes his appointment ensures the club will maintain their traditions of bringing througuh players from the academy to the first-team.
"These are hugely important appointments that reinforce the progress we have been making as a club in recent years in our relentless pursuit of success," said Woodward, per the club website.
"We have already made great strides forward in the way we run our football operations, and the benefits are visible in the resurgent pipeline of academy talent reaching the first team and through our improved recruitment record.
"John has been integral to our progress in these areas and his deep understanding of development ensures the club's traditions of bringing young players through from academy to first team will continue. This new position is a natural evolution that harnesses his leadership qualities and his years of experience in the game."
