Manchester United have shown the door to head of youth player recruitment Derek Langley.

The timing has surprised staff and comes amid the continued overhaul of United's management and scouting set-up. Youth team coach Paul McGuinness left in February and Langley's departure will open the door for a new appointment.

Langley has been at United for 16 years and has been credited with bringing in players such as Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley.

Manchester United head of youth player recruitment Derek Langley has left the club after 16 years

Langley is credited with bringing through youngsters including Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley (right)

Fellow staff found out the news on Saturday morning with Langley having been informed of the decision on Friday afternoon.

It had emerged in January that Langley could leave at the end of the season. However, he held talks with club secretary John Alexander amid concerns he was disillusioned at the lack of progress over new signings and was understood to have assured the club he was as committed as ever.

Langley is understood to be taking legal advice prior to United putting out an official statement.

United have been using headhunters Nolan Partners to help recruit new staff with around 40 appointments planned.

Apart from head of academy operations Nick Cox, who arrived from Sheffield United, Dutchman Henny de Regt was brought in to help recruitment last season and has been joined by scout Tommy Moller Nielsen.

Head of academy Nicky Butt, head of development John Murtough and Cox are eager to bring in more quality players to put pressure on the first team.

New manager Jose Mourinho has been focusing his efforts on first team training with returning players

United have signed Nishan Burkhart from Zurich and Tahith Chong from Ajax and hope to add more in the coming weeks.

They have declined an invitation for their academy squad to take part in the EFL Trophy next season and will instead concentrate on the academy league and the U21 Premier League International Cup.