Ferdinand on Man Utd sporting director shortlist

Rio Ferdinand is one of several candidates Manchester United have spoken to about becoming their first sporting director, Sky Sports News understands.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has discussed the position with Ferdinand, and wants to finalise an appointment before the start of next season.
United want a candidate who understands how the club works, which makes Ferdinand, who spent 12 years as a player at Old Trafford, an attractive candidate.
The person who fills the newly-created sporting director role is expected to focus on the transfer market, the academy and supporting the management team.

ALSO READ:Ferdinand blames Lloris over Trippier’s own goal in defeat against Chelsea

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was appointed as United’s permanent manager last month, is willing to work with a sporting director and has been involved in discussions regarding the recruitment.
In contrast, Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho was against such an appointment.
Gary Neville, Alex Scott and Graeme Souness discuss whether Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is unfit and carrying too much weight
During his time as a player with United, Ferdinand made 455 appearances for the club, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League and two League Cups.
Since retiring four years ago, the 40-year-old has predominantly worked as a television pundit, and also briefly had plans to launch a boxing career.
See The Run In on Sky Sports with two football channels for the price of one.
As well as speaking to Ferdinand, SSN also understands United are keen on RB Leipzig’s head of recruitment Paul Mitchell, who previously worked for Southampton and Tottenham.