Man Utd part company with two leading scouts

Manchester United scouts Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout will both depart the club in the summer.

United's recruitment has been heavily criticised recently with the Red Devils currently way off their Premier League rivals on the pitch.

With Erik ten Hag set to take over from interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season, it appears the club have taken the decision to shake up their scouting system.

"Jim Lawlor has decided to step down from his role as Chief Scout in the Summer after 16 years with the club," a statement read.

"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."

United have also parted company with Bout, with a second statement reading: "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."

90min understands that United plan to give Ten Hag significant say in all club matters when he joins in the summer, and this includes recruitment.

Rangnick recently claimed that the Red Devils need to make as many as 10 signings in order to close the gap on Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea.

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