Manchester United want to hire a director of football before deciding on a new permanent manager, but who will they settle on?
It’s a position that has never existed at Old Trafford. After all, this is the club of Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson, two men who ran every football aspect of Manchester United during their respective tenures. This is new territory for the Premier League outfit, and who they pick will shape the future of the club.
Here are six candidates to become the next Manchester United director of football:
Peter Schmeichel
The former goalkeeper was one of the first to put his name in the ring for the newly created position, but despite his history with the club, his lack of experience in such a role is thought to have hampered his chances of getting the job.
Paul Mitchell
A relatively unknown candidate in the wider footballing public, but one of the favourites nonetheless. Mitchell is currently a sporting director at RB Leipzig, where he is responsible for player recruitment. The former Wigan Athletic player previously earned plaudits for his work at Southampton and Spurs, where he unearthed such gems as Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld.
Monchi
Monchi made his name at Sevilla, where his incredible talent for talent spotting helped the club reach numerous cup finals, including three consecutive Europa League successes. He is currently contracted to AS Roma, but reports are suggesting he could leave the Serie A club in the summer. Arsenal are also interested in his services.
Eric Cantona
Out of nowhere the Frenchman has been installed as the evens favourite to become the Manchester United DOF, despite never holding such a role in his life. The United legend’s cryptic Instagram post from earlier this month has certainly gotten people talking about what he has got in store.
Edwin Van der Sar
Another goalkeeper linked with the role, but one that makes much more sense in that Van der Sar has experience in working behind the scenes at a major club.
The Dutchman is currently the CEO at Ajax, but could be convinced to leave if his former club comes calling.
Sven Mislintat
Perhaps the hottest free agent on the market when it comes to talent spotting, Mislintat only just left Arsenal this month after the club reneged on their promise to make him head of recruitment. Although he seems likely to return to the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, ‘Diamond Eye’ might relish inflicting damage on his former employer by helping one of their rivals.
