Manchester United have officially confirmed the exit of goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis after more than 20 years of association with the club.
United recently relayed that Jelle ten Rouwelaar arrived at Old Trafford following a stint with Burnley. Ten Rouwelaar has effectively succeeded Hartis.
Craig Mawson has remained with the Red Devils and will act as Ten Rouwelaar’s assistant.
In addition to working with the current first-team goalkeepers Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, Hartis also trained the club’s former shot-stoppers like David de Gea, Dean Henderson, and Edwin van der Sar.
A club statement on Hartis’ departure reads, “Manchester United can confirm that Richard Hartis has left the club after five years as senior first-team goalkeeping coach.”
“We would like to sincerely thank Richard for his significant contribution over two spells with the club, working with a succession of first-team goalkeepers and developing numerous Academy goalkeepers, several of whom reached the top level.”
“Richard was integral in our Emirates FA Cup and Carabao Cup successes in the past two years, and, in his prior spell from 2001 to 2010, he was head goalkeeping coach in our Academy and first-team goalkeeping coach in the 2007/08 season, when we won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.”
“Richard leaves with our warmest best wishes for the next phase of his career.”
Meanwhile, Hartis remarked, “Manchester United is a special football club and it’s been wonderful to be part of it on two separate occasions over the past 24 years.”
“I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with some very hard-working and committed people across all areas of the club, and to have experienced so many great moments with them along the way.”
“In particular, I would like to thank all the goalkeepers, both past and present, who dedicated themselves to representing the club and playing in a way that befits Manchester United.”
He finished off by wishing everyone at the club the best fortunes for the future.
Erik ten Hag’s men return to action on Saturday when they take on Scottish giants Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium in yet another pre-season friendly.
