Manchester United: Fans excited over potential director of football appointment

Manchester United’s board have been subject to heavy criticism from fans over the last 15 years, but the recent nose-dive in form on the pitch could force the club to finally implement a sporting director role. Sir Alex Ferguson had such widespread control at the club that there was a gulf left by himself and David Gill that Ed Woodward has filled so poorly, and that’s certainly the opinion of Roy Keane.

Ed Woodward’s title is chairman but many prefer the sporting director model that has seen local rivals Manchester City create an on-pitch identity for the club to follow, whether that be at the academy or in the transfer market. The Athletic has reported that United could be making moves towards a similar direction, after claiming a staff member had discussions with Red Bull Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick.

The report claims the 61 year-old was asked about his experience setting up his club’s academy and coaching network. Utd Report posted the news in a tweet and fans replied to share their thoughts. Many were quick to show how pleased they’d be with the change in direction, and particularly if Rangnick was to be brought on board.

A #mufc member of staff recently had a lengthy meeting with Ralf Rangnick in Germany, asking about his experience setting up the RB Leipzig academy and coaching network #mulive [the athletic]

— utdreport (@utdreport) 7 November 2019

You can see some of their reactions to the tweet below:

Would be perfect as a sporting director.

— Marcin (@Cinkiewicz7) 7 November 2019

Welcome Raif Rangnick🙏🏼 The first ever DOF in the history of @ManUtd 🔴 ?

— Pragathis (@PragaUTD) 7 November 2019

pic.twitter.com/YKlQufMw2y

— FPL Maestro (@XxFPLMaestroxX) 7 November 2019

I beg you Woodward, before you leave your job on football matters in United, make this one happen, Rangnick as DoF.

— Sandy_SY (@Sandy_SY56) 7 November 2019