Manchester United 'identify two candidates for director of football post'

John Murtagh and Marcel Bout are reportedly both under consideration to become Manchester United's new director of football following the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as head coach.

Solskjaer was confirmed as United's permanent manager last week, and it is understood that the Red Devils will now look to appoint a director of football from within the club.

According to The Times, the club's head of football development Murtagh and head of global scouting Bout are the two names being considered by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

Murtagh arrived at Old Trafford during David Moyes's time in charge of the club, while Bout was brought in by Louis van Gaal, initially as an opposition scout before earning a promotion.

United are back in Premier League action at home to Watford on Saturday afternoon.