Manchester United Have Announced Two Key Departures in a Shake-up of the Backroom Staff at Old Trafford

Jim Lawlor had been occupying the position of United's chief scout since 2014 and had been a part of the backroom staff nine years earlier. On the other hand, Marcel Bout was positioned as the club's head of global scouting during Louis van Gaal's time as manager. Sadly, both the men have now concluded their tenure. 

Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout Step Down as Confirmed by Utd Spokesperson

A spokesman for United had a few words to say about Lawlor's departure: "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."

At the same time, the club announced Bout's exit and the spokesman continued: “Marcel Bout has departed from his role as head of global scouting after eight years with the club. A respected figure within and outside of Manchester United, Marcel has played an important part as an assistant coach and in the strengthening of our scouting capabilities in recent years. Marcel leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our very best wishes for the future.”

Both Men Hold Impressive Records

Lawlor was responsible for overseeing Manchester United's move for ex-Celtic and Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson in 2006. In addition, he is also known for his discovery of Javier Hernandez, who was an important force behind two Premier League title triumphs after the latter's entry in 2010. However, his performance dipped after he got promoted to chief scout, and the event coincided with Marcel Bout's arrival under Louis Van Gaal in 2014. Bout initially served as an assistant coach before assuming his most recent role in 2016.

The Red Devils signed 13 players when the Dutchman took over between 2014-and 2016, but only Luke Shaw has been retained in the current squad. John Murtaugh became United's football director in March 2021 and is now leading the hunt for the team's next permanent manager. He is also the man supervising the changes currently in process for the scouting structure at Old Trafford.

It has also been reported that Ajax boss Erik ten Hag will join the squad forward after Ralf Rangnick steps down from his interim role in the summer. United’s recruitment has been receiving negative feedback in recent years because of the amount of money spent on many players with a good number of them failing to perform well price following their arrivals in Manchester. It remains to be seen whether ten Hag's entry changes things for the better.