Manchester United plan on installing a director of football after restructuring.
The move will allow United a continuity of football style and ethos as well as a more streamlined transfer policy.
José Mourinho believed he required a frontline center-back to strengthen his squad and while the board led by Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, was supportive it was not prepared to sanction what was viewed as the exorbitant valuations demanded for the manager’s particular targets. Woodward is still expected to have a key role in recruitment following the appointment of a director of football, with Mourinho and his successors still substantially involved in player recruitment.