Manchester United 'want Edwin van der Sar as director of football'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 September 2019

United 'want Van der Sar as director of football'

Manchester United identify Edwin van der Sar as a leading candidate to become the club's new director of football, according to a report.

Manchester United have reportedly identified former Red Devils goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar as a leading candidate to become the club's new director of football.

Van der Sar, who turned out for United between 2005 and 2011, is currently the chief executive at Ajax.

The 48-year-old has been widely praised for his work in the transfer market over the last few seasons, in addition to the development of the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.

According to The Mirror, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has identified the Dutchman as the leading figure to transform the English club's performance in the transfer market.

The report claims that Woodward has been attracted by Van der Sar's work at Ajax, in addition to his presence on the board of the European Club Association.

The 20-time English champions have seemingly switched their focus in the transfer market from high-profile signings to younger players, having secured deals for Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire ahead of the 2019-20 season.