Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is the latest figure to be mentioned in connection with a leadership role behind the scenes at his former club.
Amidst the chaos of the post-Ferguson years, Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman at the club, is understood to be in the process of restructuring the organisation off the pitch.
The Daily Mail are reporting that talks have already taken place between the footballer-turned-pundit and Woodward about a role mirroring that of Marc Overmars at Ajax.
Previously, there have been suggestions that Mike Phelan could attain the role of technical director at the club, though that is understood to be a role more focussed on the football sides of things.
Not everyone, however, is convinced by these developments. Sam Allardyce, in particular, has his doubts.
Speaking on Talksport's Breakfast show, Allardyce said:
I think Rio is a great guy, a fantastic pundit and he was a fantastic player but to have that job at Manchester United and what it entails…
Steve Walsh worked with me at Everton and learnt his trade on that side of the game for many, many years at Leicester. He did a two-year sporting director course, Steve Round did that course, which gives you a great insight.
The role of a sporting director is to generally take the pressure off the manager.
Trying to get a football man in, I understand. But trying to get a football man in without any experience…
The former manager went further and revealed who he thought should be handed the newly-established role.
There is one man who can do that job with his eyes closed and he is already there as an ambassador, who has done it all – Bryan Robson – and I’m sure he would love the job.
Bryan Robson would be a fantastic choice in that position for me. If they want somebody with links to Man United, there can be nobody better. They want somebody who is experienced in that area.
