Two of Manchester United’s leading scouts, Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout, have officially decided to leave the club at the end of the season.
Lawlor and Bout stepped down from Man United amid widespread criticism over the club’s transfer activity. The reshuffle of the club’s behind-the-scenes staff continues.
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Lawlor has served as United’s chief scout since 2014, having initially joined the club’s staff nine years earlier.
Meanwhile, Bout has served as the club’s chief global scout since Louis van Gaal’s managerial era.
What is the club statement?
“Jim Lawlor has decided to step down from his role as chief scout next summer after 16 years with the club,” a United spokesman said in a statement.
“During this period, Jim was instrumental in the development of several of United’s trophy-winning teams and was an important source of guidance for Sir Alex Ferguson and subsequent managers.”
“Jim leaves the club with our warmest thanks for his significant contribution and our best wishes for the future.”
“Meanwhile Marcel Bout has left his role as chief global scout after eight years with the club.”
“A respected figure both inside and outside Manchester United, Marcel has played an important role as assistant coach and in strengthening our scouting capabilities in recent years.”
What legacy did they leave behind?
Lawlor was reportedly behind the 2006 move for former Celtic and Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson and has been credited with the discovery of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez four years later.
