Manchester United are facing more turmoil among their backroom staff with the impending departure of the club’s academy chief. The Times has learnt that Derek Langley, United’s head of youth player recruitment, is planning to leave the club at the end of the season because of disillusionment about the state of the academy.

Langley’s exit will leave United looking to make a backroom appointment at a time when the future of Louis Van Gaal is uncertain. The manager is under pressure with United sixth in the Barclays Premier League, and the away game to Liverpool on Sunday could be his last one in charge if his side lose.

United are already undertaking a root-and-branch review of their academy because of concern at the limited number