Edwin van der Sar confirms Manchester United contact regarding potential Old Trafford comeback
Speaking on ESPN’s Good Morning Eredivisie (h/t Express), former Red Devils ace Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that Manchester United have gotten in touch with him regarding a potential return to the club.
The Dutch goalkeeper hung up his boots in 2011 and is now the CEO at Ajax Amsterdam, a position he has now held for five years.
The Dutch giants have flourished under his stewardship, remaining competitive despite possessing a paltry budget and losing their best players. They famously came within seconds of qualifying for the 2019 Champions League final.
With Ed Woodward resigning as the club’s executive vice-chairman, the hunt for his successor has begun. Van der Sar has now admitted that he has held talks with United regarding a potential return. (h/t Express)
There is no indication as to what his role would have been and the Dutchman adds that it happened a few years ago. While it is unknown if United stayed in touch, Van der Sar has seen his reputation only peak.
“Did they contact me? Yes, a few years ago already.”
Van der Sar also opened up about the differences at serving as a CEO at Ajax and United. While he is not averse to a return, he will have to go about the same role at Old Trafford differently. (h/t Express)
“What kind of CEO is Manchester United looking for? I am not your typical CEO.”
An untidy structure?
The Dutchman has hinted that the structure at Ajax is more suited to his liking than the one at United. After all, it is fair to say Woodward did not just concentrate on recruitment. (h/t Express)
“I am a CEO more for the football side of things. Ajax is very structured. Manchester United is so different and you have to work with several owners there too.”
There is little doubt that Van der Sar is a rising name as a backroom leader. Whether he will get to showcase his abilities at United remains to be seen.
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United may however choose to promote from within. Those in the fray include current director Richard Arnold and chief financial officer, Cliff Baty.
