FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says he could return to Old Trafford as the club search for their first technical director.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is keen to appoint a suitable candidate to the role, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirming he would be involved in the selection process.
United have never previously made the position part of their hierarchy but Van der Sar has been mooted as a possibility.
An appointment would add more ‘football knowledge’ to the club’s administration and the Dutchman, currently CEO at Ajax, has opened the door to a possible approach.
Van der Sar, who starred for United between 2005 and 2011, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League, still has strong connections to the club.
He told The Times: “United is a much bigger challenge than Ajax.
“They’re not just a big and famous club but also a worldwide brand, yet when you’re inside, it’s still a family place.
“The washing ladies, Mike the chef, Kath (the receptionist), they’re still there.
“You need to cherish that and Ole is doing a great job at it.”
Van der Sar, 48, is an admirer of Woodward, who started out at the club as part of United’s commercial arm, and hinted he would be happy to work under him.
“Also Ed, I have utmost respect for him and what he does for the club so I don’t need to be the big man.
“I want to feel I can contribute and you can only do it for something you believe in.”
Van der Sar played for Ajax between 1990 and 1999, becoming their marketing director in 2012 and CEO in 2016.
Former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars is the club’s technical director and has inspired the former keeper to aim high.
“I’m really happy in Amsterdam and we’re not finished yet,” added Van der Sar.
“Marc always said you want to touch the crossbar. What he means is we want to reach a high point and that’s what we want to do for another couple of years.
“United is a special place. Who knows, eventually, but for now, I’m here.”
Ajax face Juventus in the last eight of the Champions League with the first leg on Wednesday.
- Omni
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Vincent Debaty, unreal support running from the prop, amazing run as well Nakaitaci ..
100% best try. I reckon the effort probably took a year off his life.
Love that he immediately had to go off. He literally gave everything for the try. And was forced back on. Unbelievable. What a day.
Agree 100% Vincent ran at some pace, and scored a crucial try. What a fecking legend the next time he is in Limerick the pints are on me!!!
Magic stuff. Is that Nigel Owens in the background saying “every game should be like this”? And they were singing a cracking rendition of Swing low when the move started. Love the six nations.
I’m still dancing at the crossroads, the wifi isn’t great.
Great tries great day. But a try saving tackle by Jammy won it for us. Never been a Heaslip fan but he earned his corn yesterday.
Great article. We’ll done on compiling the list!
Great line from Owens after the Debaty try ‘Every game should be like this’
Leonardo Sarto for Italy in the last minute! Went from needing 28 points to 21, which was massive psychologically. Bravo sir!
Thanks for sharing. Live in USA for last 5 years but still a huge fan. Was following text commentary on Saturday. These are great times for Irish Rugby. We should cherish them.
And then this
The Irish, French and Italian ones.