Juventus women forward Eni Aluko has thrown Gary Neville’s name in the ring for the director of football job at Manchester United.
Manchester United have long been reported to be keen to appoint a director of football as Ed Woodward looks to restructure the club, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitting that he is open to working as part of the proposed new structure.
While experienced people like Monchi and Paul Mitchell have been linked with the role, former England international Aluko reckons that the candidate should understand the principles of the club, citing Gary Neville as a ‘perfect choice to fill that role’.
“It’s really important for Solskjær to have a good relationship with United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, but how much easier would that be if he had other players working with him on the board or as a sporting director?” Aluko wrote in the Guardian.
“I think Gary Neville would be the perfect choice to fill that role. He is a proven businessman and has football experience, having coached at the highest level.
“Neville understands the fabric of the club and what is required to continue its success – if you surround yourself with good people then you can make good decisions.”
Neville has been a vocal critic of Ed Woodward and his mismanagement of the club, especially in the transfer market, recently describing his former club as ‘rotten to the core‘.
While Neville is currently known for his commentary and punditry roles, he is also an astute businessman, with the former full-back having a share in Non-League side Salford City as well as his Hotel Football brand.
He also has coaching experience having worked with the England setup during Roy Hodgson’s reign, although his spell as head coach of Valencia didn’t go too well.
Read also: Neville urges Woodward to back Solskjaer
