Manchester United could look at former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards to become their new sporting director once Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid goes to plan.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United could consider an approach for former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards if Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid goes to plan. The British billionaire is vying to take 25% shares of the club from the Glazers, and appointing a new sporting director is high on his agenda.
The Manchester United takeover saga rumbled on and took another turn in what has been a tedious process. The fans may have wanted someone to wield control of the club from the Glazers altogether. But developments over the weekend have changed the course of proceedings altogether.
Sheikh Jassim of Qatar, who wanted to take 100% of the club, had also promised a significant investment into infrastructure and training facilities at the club. The Qatari businessman has initiated withdrawal proceedings from his bid to take over Manchester United, which leaves the ball in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s court.
The British billionaire, who also owns French side OGC Nice, is on the brink of owning a 25% stake in the club. Sir Ratcliffe has already made a bid, with the Manchester United board set for a vote on Thursday. As things stand, the 70-year-old wants sporting control of the club, which, as per reports, could materialize.
If Sir Ratcliffe’s bid goes to plan, then he will certainly have a new sporting director on top of his agenda. Even before the British billionaire’s ideas came about, Manchester United had eyes on some names to take up that role, something the club needed to catch up on compared to their rivals.
Current AS Monaco Sporting director Paul Mitchell remains a front-runner for the position if Sir Ratcliffe gets sporting control of Manchester United. The former English footballer is not alone here, with former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards and Julian Ward also part of the shortlist.
Edwards was one of those people who had redefined the sporting director role during his time at Liverpool. Helping Jurgen Klopp build a squad that won the Premier League and Champions League remains one of his noteworthy highlights. He was on Manchester United’s radar before, but chose not to accept any job, anywhere.
Manchester United are aware of the difficulties in signing the executive, as nobody there doubts whether he would want to return to action anytime soon. The same goes for Ward, who only left his role at Liverpool recently.
While the appointment of Edwards may appear like a masterstroke from Sir Ratcliffe’s perspective, there are challenges ahead to convince the executive to come on board. In any case, the board vote on Thursday will determine the next course of action at Manchester United, as more names for the sporting director position could emerge in the media.
