Ever since the glory days of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United have been caught in quite a slump.
Rebuild after rebuild has commenced to no fruition alongside a constant revolving door of managers, all departing after failing to resurrect the Red Machine.
But hope has arrived in Manchester once again, in the form of a wary-eyed Dutchman from the school of ‘Total Football’.
Erik Ten Hag has already made a significant impact on the Reds, and not just on the pitch. Despite being a team in transition, the Reds look mentally prepared to take on just about anyone, which hints at the potential Ten Hag’s rebuild possesses.
However, the Dutchman and his staff cannot go at it alone, especially at a club like United where administrative blunders have sadly become the norm.
This is evident after taking a look at their failed mega-money signings, a list that includes names such as Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, Romelu Lukaku, and many others.
A more recent example is their embarrassingly public goose chase for Frenkie De Jong, which resulted in numerous rejections, and eventually concluded with Ten Hag missing out on his man.
Needless to say, a change is needed. And as per reports, United are finally looking in the right direction.
In order to be more efficient and effective with transfers, the club have been in search of a Sporting Director.
Many names have been linked with the side, with the most recent one being former Liverpool Sporting Director, Michael Edwards.
The 43-year-old spent about 11 years in Merseyside and was primarily responsible for their incomings and outgoings. He has been largely credited for Liverpool’s incredible transfer business, which included signings such as Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Alisson, and Fabinho.
Player sales also yielded plenty of profits under his leadership, with a prime example being Phillipe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona for a £142m fee.
The links to United emerged from a report by ‘Football Insider’, claiming that Edwards is close to joining United.
Previously, he had been heavily linked to Chelsea, with reports suggesting that Todd Boehly made several attractive offers to lure the Englishman. Eventually, it amounted to nothing as he was unwilling to step away from his current sabbatical from football.
NEW: Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards. United believe Edwards is the right man to oversee their transfer business and have made him a “hugely attractive offer”. #MUFC [@SportsPeteO, @footyinsider247] pic.twitter.com/nzJJ3EcuL8
Going by ‘Football Insider’s’ report, the Red Devils have also offered attractive terms and nearly have their man. The news generated plenty of excitement amongst fans, that is until a tweet refuting the claims popped up online.
Courtesy of Ben Jacobs, the journo who famously provided precise details of Chelsea’s takeover, the tweet confirms United’s interest but goes on to say that no decision has been made yet.
Manchester United do like Michael Edwards, but he is not close to joining. Edwards has made no decision on his next role and is keeping all options open. Nothing is imminent (even with a view to next summer).
