Manchester United have lost top scout Joao Ferreira.

Ferreira has returned home to Portugal to become new sporting director of Santa Clara. He replaces Diogo Boa Alma.

At 36, Paulo Duarte's former assistant with the Gabon national team (2012 to 2014) has taken on a new career challenge, with the responsibility of managing Azorean football.

Before working with United, he was a scout with Orlando City (2015 and 2016).

Ferreira started his career on the academy staff of Sporting CP.