Manchester United have confirmed the departure of two key members of their recruitment team, less than 24 hours after Tuesday night’s humiliating defeat to Liverpool.
Chief scout, Jim Lawlor, and Marcel Bout, head of global scouting, have both left the club ahead of what is expected to be a summer of significant overhaul off the back of another disappointing campaign.
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag is set to arrive as head coach, replacing interim Ralf Rangnick, who will move into a consultancy role.
Lawlor has been chief scout since 2014, having joined the club nine years earlier, while Bout arrived as part of Louis van Gaal’s setup and remained at Old Trafford following the Dutchman’s departure.
"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," a United spokesperson said.
"Marcel has played an important part as an assistant coach and in the strengthening of our scouting capabilities in recent years.
"Jim and Marcel leave the club with our warmest thanks for their significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future."
United’s recruitment has been heavily criticised in recent seasons, with huge levels of spending failing to return the club to the summit of English football.
Last summer, the club paid £73million to finally sign long-term target Jadon Sancho, while also making marquee moves for Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo but are languishing 22 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and facing an uphill task to qualify for the Champions League at the end of what will be a trophyless campaign.
