Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take advice from former manager Sir Alex Ferguson as he plots his rebuild of Manchester United.
Ratcliffe is on the verge of having his minority acquisition of Manchester United confirmed, in a 25% purchase of the Red Devils that will see the British billionaire take over sporting operations at Old Trafford. Changes have already began, with Richard Arnold leaving his role as chief executive officer after 16 years with the club in various capacities.
Ratcliffe is keen to appoint a new sporting director and is currently considering various candidates. Among them, according to the Telegraph, include former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara, Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta, Atalanta chief Lee Congerton – formerly of Leicester and Celtic – and Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman.
The incoming minority owner is set to take advice from Sir Alex Ferguson in his rebuild, with United having struggled to compete at the top end of the Premier League since Ferguson’s retirement as manager in 2013.
Ferguson’s influence could boost Freedman’s chances of a move to Old Trafford. The Scot already has a working relationship with his compatriot, with Freedman having spent time with Ferguson in his office while manager of Palace in 2011.
The 49-year-old has impressed since moving into a director role at Selhurst Park, where he has helped bring down the average age of an ageing squad and brought in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi, each of who have been linked with big-money exits.
