Manchester United have appointed David Harrison as the new director of football operations, summarily bringing to an end his 27 years at Everton.
Reacting to the appointment of David Harrison, Manchester United’s football director, John Murtough said Harrison is one of the most revered football administrators and he is happy he is joining the Old Trafford club.
Murtough added he is counting on the wealth of experience and expertise of the English football veteran to add to the growing strength and capacity of the club.
“He will bring deep experience and knowledge to this important role, and add further strength to the support structure we are building around our football teams, to give our players and staff the best chance of success.”
Reacting to his appointment by Manchester United, David Harrison express his delight in taking up the role at Old Trafford after his 27 years reign at Goodison Park and promised to focus on building the best operational environment for football activites at the club.
“Now, my focus is on helping Manchester United create the best possible operating environment to support success on the pitch.”
Popularly referred to as “Contract Dave,” David Harrison has been on the helm of affairs at Everton since 1996, a year after he left Old Trafford ticketing service for Everton.
Before climbing the rungs of his career ladder to the more prestigious office of a Sporing director, David Harrison functioned as the Secretary of Everton for 16 years, after he had managed the Toffees’ ticketing service for seven years.
In 2018, David Harrison was appointed the Director of Football at Goodison Park – a role he relished until Manchester United came calling.
Following news of his appointment as Manchester United’s new director of football operations, his role at Everton will now be overtaken by Jonathan Williams, who was his deputy until the club appoints a new director.
David Harrison will function in a similar capacity at Old Trafford replacing Alan Dawson, who is reportedly set to leave the club after 11 years.
The English football veteran is expected to work hand-in-hand with John Murtough, who is the club’s football director.
Davi Harrison is expected to oversee every operational aspects of Manchester United’s football activities, ensuring a seamless and efficient football operations. He will reportedly join the club at their Carrington training base to oversee a smooth running of football activities.
His role also include offering support to players, facilitating team travels, coordinating operations of both men and women football, including academy teams.
He will leave Everton at the end of February and start at United next month. Harrison succeeds Alan Dawson, who is leaving United after 11 years at the end of July.
Everton are steeped in the relegation waters in the Premier League, but David Harrison has been upheld as the best hands in football operations in England by the likes of John Murtough.
His move to the Old Trafford club is seen as a big milestone in his career as football operations officer given the pedigree of Manchester United.
This will be his second spell with the Old Trafford club but on a different capacity. He has previously worked as a ticketing officer for Manchester United.
