Questions starting to be asked of John Murtough behind the scenes at Manchester United

There are beginning to be some murmurs of discontent around Manchester United concerning football director John Murtough after a disappointing window so far, according to reports.

Speaking last season, interim boss Ralf Rangnick claimed the Red Devils may require as many as 10 new signings this summer to compensate for a host of high-profile departures and to replenish the squad.

However, so far United have only brought in just three new faces as part of Erik ten Hag’s rebuild: Left-back Tyrell Malacia, defender Lisandro Martinez and free agent Christian Eriksen.

None of those positions would have been considered major weaknesses going into the summer, while positions of concern – such as a midfielder, right winger, forward and right-back – have not been addressed.

United had hoped to secure an ambitious move for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong but the Dutchman does not want to leave Camp Nou, meaning the Red Devils have now switched attention to Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot instead.

Their hopes of landing winger Antony were torpedoed by Ajax’s enormous asking price, while their scramble to find cover and competition up top briefly saw them consider a move for 33-year-old Bologna frontman Marko Arnautovic.

United’s approach in the transfer market is looking increasingly more chaotic as the deadline approaches and, according to The Telegraph, that is prompting questions to be asked of Murtough.

After initially serving as United’s head of club development, Murtough was promoted to football director – essentially sporting director – and tasked with overseeing the club’s recruitment and transfer strategy.

But such a disorganised and directionless window has reportedly led to ‘murmurings’ that he is not up to the role.

Rangnick was