Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has revealed that the Red Devils had previously touched base with him over a return to the club in a boardroom capacity.
United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has confirmed that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season following the club's involvement in the doomed European Super League project.
Van der Sar - who has been CEO of Ajax since 2016 - has been tipped to become Woodward's successor at Old Trafford, and the former shot-stopper has now responded to the rumours linking him with a return to the red side of Manchester.
Speaking to ESPN, the 50-year-old said: "Manchester United? It's always nice to read positive things about you. Everyone is ambitious in life. Did they contact me? Yes, a few years ago already.
"I couldn't do this job at a club I don't like. I am extremely happy with what we have been able to achieve at Ajax.
"Ten years ago we had the ambition to join Europe's elite and we have lived up to those words. We did that through hard work and without a rich sugar daddy or government funding to help us.
"What kind of CEO is Manchester United looking for? I am not your typical CEO. I am a CEO more for the football side of things.
"Ajax is very structured. Manchester United is so different and you have to work with several owners there too. Does that suit you or do you like your life in Noordwijk and Amsterdam enough? That is the question."
Van der Sar made 266 appearances for Man United between 2005 and 2011, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions League as Sir Alex Ferguson's number one.
Ben Knapton
