Earlier this week, news broke of a major reshuffle in the Manchester United hierarchy. For the first time in their history, the Red Devils will appoint a Director of Football to oversee future transfer business.
The job will entail a range of duties, but the primary focus for the new man will be to identify players who fit in with the United philosophy and to make moves for such players.
This is no small task as, since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has deeply struggled to maintain an identity.
United will take the appointment of a Director of Football very seriously and ensure the right man is handed the job. Below, we look at three prime candidates for the position, each of whom could help bring an identity back to Old Trafford.
1. Monchi
A former Sevilla goalkeeper, Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo or Monchi, is currently employed as the Director of Football at AS Roma. The Spaniard has been working as a talent spotter since his retirement in 2000 when Sevilla appointed him as their Director of Football.
He spent 17 years at the Spanish club, completely overhauling their transfer policy, scouting network, and youth system. During his tenure, he uncovered world-class talents such as Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas, Dani Alves, and Ivan Rakitic.
When he took the position in 2000, Sevilla had just been relegated to the second division in Spain. Upon his departure in 2017, he left the club in the top half of La Liga with a transfer profit exceeding €200 million.
Last August, Mochi signed a four-year contract to work as the Director of Football with Roma in the Italian top flight. His short time at the Serie A club could prove a stumbling block for any approach by Manchester United for his services.
However, if the Red Devils are willing to pay out the rest of his contract, the project at Old Trafford would no doubt appeal to the 49-year-old.
2. Fabio Paratici
A former defender who spent his career as a journeyman in the lower divisions of Italy, Fabio Paratici made his name in the footballing world after his retirement as a player. In 2004, Paratici was appointed as the Head Scout for Sampdoria to oversee moves made for young players by the club.
During his tenure at I Blucerchiati, the Italian worked closely with the Director General at the club and was touted as the next in line for the main job. However, in 2010, the 46-year-old made a move to Juventus along with Sampdoria’s Director General, Giuseppe Marotta, and manager, Luigi Delneri.
At Juventus, Paratici was appointed as the Sporting Director, a role very similar to the Director of Football. He has remained in that position for seven years, helping Juventus to numerous league titles and playing a major role in the Old Laday’s capture of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Due to Paratici’s ties to Juventus and Italy, United will need to make a huge offer to prise the Italian away from Turin. However, the 46-year-old is certainly high on the list of candidates for the Red Devils and they may go all out to acquire his services.
3. Edwin Van Der Sar
The former Manchester United goalkeeper, Edwin Van Der Sar, could represent a perfect fit as the new Director of Football at Old Trafford. The Dutchman was a member of the playing staff during United’s most successful period in recent history and also had the privilege of working under Sir Alex Ferguson.
If the ideals of Fergie, such as youth development and counter-attacking football, are what the Red Devils seek from the new appointment, then Van Der Sar may offer exactly that. Currently working as the CEO for his boyhood club, Ajax, the former goalkeeper was promoted to the position in 2016 following his outstanding work as the club’s Marketing Director.
Ajax famously boasts one of the best youth setups in Europe and as CEO of the club, Van Der Sar is heavily involved in maintaining and improving the youth system. This is a key area of focus for United and could lead to an approach for their former player.
While the 47-year-old has no previous experience as a Director of Football, this may suit the objectives of United. Appointing a person who is new to the position allows the hierarchy at Old Trafford to mold them into exactly what they are seeking.
Someone like Van Der Sar, with his ties to the club, may just be the best candidate.