Manchester United is reportedly considering a major restructuring of its football operations, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford at the helm. As part of this overhaul, the club has compiled a shortlist of four potential candidates for the director of football role. Let’s take a closer look at these individuals and what they could bring to the Red Devils.
The Need for Change
Brailsford, 59, will lead an eight-week audit to evaluate Manchester United’s current structure. Following this assessment, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Brailsford will decide if they need a director of football or if a sporting director should also be appointed. This move signals the club’s determination to reinvigorate and optimize its football operations.
The Shortlist Candidates
Julian Ward
A former transfer guru at Liverpool, Ward is believed to be Brailsford’s preferred choice. His experience and success at Liverpool make him a strong candidate for the role. However, it remains to be seen if Manchester United can lure him away from his current position.
Michael Edwards
Another former colleague of Ward’s at Liverpool, Michael Edwards has been instrumental in the club’s success in recent years. However, enticing Edwards back to club football might require a substantial offer of £10 million per year.
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell, who currently works for Monaco, is also in the running for the director of football position at Manchester United. With his family based in Manchester, this could be an attractive opportunity for him to make a significant impact at a prestigious club.
Dan Ashworth
Formerly of the FA, Dan Ashworth joined Newcastle in 2022. While Ashworth might be challenging to pry away due to his 12-month notice period and his commitment to Newcastle, Manchester United could be tempted to offer him a big enough package to secure his services.
Moving Forward
Although no appointment is imminent, Manchester United is expected to focus on outgoing transfers during the January window. The club’s priority is to ensure that they make the right choice for the director of football role and implement a structure that will lead the team to success.
With these potential candidates in the running, Manchester United’s future looks promising. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Source link: F5mag.com