Manchester United’s chief scout will leave in the close season and the club’s global head of scouting has gone in moves that may allow an overhaul of recruitment when the expected appointment of Erik ten Hag as the new manager occurs.
Jim Lawlor, the chief scout, joined United in 2006 under Sir Alex Ferguson, and Marcel Bout was part of Louis van Gaal’s coaching staff before becoming global head of scouting in 2016.
A United spokesperson said: “Jim Lawlor has decided to step down from his role as chief scout in the summer after 16 years with the club. During that time, 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. Jim leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future.
“Marcel Bout has departed from his role as head of global scouting after eight years with the club. Marcel has played an important part as an assistant coach and in the strengthening of our scouting capabilities in recent years.”
Ten Hag is closing on being appointed as United’s fifth permanent manager in nine years. A key requirement from the Ajax coach is that he should have control of transfer policy with the executive.
Jesse Lingard has apologised to United’s fans for Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat at Liverpool and called on the squad to increase the intensity levels in training before Saturday’s game at Arsenal.
“It’s horrible,” he told MUTV of the loss. “It’s horrible for the fans. You can feel the pain when we’re on the pitch and you see the scoreline. It’s really disappointing. We can only say sorry to the fans. I know they back us through thick and thin, which we appreciate as players.
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“We go into the Arsenal game now this week. We work hard throughout the week and however we train reflects how we play, so I think we can increase a little bit more intensity and energy in training as well.”
United have condemned chanting from some of their fans at Anfield. In footage posted on social media people can be heard singing: “The Sun was right, you’re murderers.”
A United spokesperson said: “Manchester United stands in solidarity with Liverpool FC and its fans in remembering the victims of the Hillsborough disaster. Offensive chants about the tragedy are completely unacceptable and we will work with our supporters’ groups to educate fans on the issue.”
Ninety-seven Liverpool fans died because of a crush on an overcrowded terrace at the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.
