Sir Jim Ratcliffe didn't waste time making changes when he purchased a minority stake in Manchester United in 2024 and took control of the club's football operations

Former Manchester United chief John Murtough has been appointed director of football at Birmingham City. Murtough left Old Trafford in 2024, having spent 11 years at with the Red Devils.

The 55-year-old's departure came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake, which has since been increased, in United through his petrochemicals company, INEOS. Murtough went on to join Atalanta, working as that Italian club's director of global development.

Now Murtough, whose CV also includes roles with Everton, Fulham, Coventry City and with the Premier League, is back in England. On Friday, Birmingham confirmed his appointment and a statement from the club's board read: "We are delighted to welcome John to Birmingham City.

"We have been clear from the outset about our ambition for this Club and for the city of Birmingham. We want Birmingham City competing at the highest level of English football and we are building for sustained success, both on and off the pitch.

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"The Sports Quarter demonstrates the scale of that ambition, and we need a football operation to match. John brings almost three decades of experience across elite football and will work closely with Chris (Davies, manager) and the excellent football team already in place, strengthening the expertise and structure around them as we enter the next stage of Birmingham City's journey."

Birmingham had been looking for a new director of football since the departure of Craig Garner in June. The Blues are currently fourth in the Championship table, collecting 20 points from their opening 11 games.

"I am incredibly excited to be joining Birmingham City," Murtough commented. "This is a great football club with brilliant fans and enormous potential.

"There is a clear determination from Knighthead to build something special for the long term, both on and off the pitch. My focus will be on working closely with Chris and the wider football team to give them the best possible platform to succeed, while continuing to strengthen recruitment, player development and the pathway from the Academy.

"There is a hugely talented team in place and real momentum around the Club. I am looking forward to playing my part in what comes next."

Murtough's time at Old Trafford coincided with a turbulent period. Having arrived during ex-Everton boss David Moyes' reign in 2013, he worked his way up to being named football director eight years later and was then largely responsible for United's transfer business until his exit.