Ex-Liverpool chief 'in running' for key Man Utd role

Manchester United are on the lookout for a new sorting director according to reports with ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward a contender.

The Daily Telegraph report he has emerged as a 'surprise' contender for the role with the club looking to overhaul their football operations following the news Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover deal has been agreed.

The Telegraph report: "Julian Ward has emerged as a surprise candidate being considered for the role of sporting director at Manchester United.

"Ward has been discussed along with a number of other experienced directors of football, headed by Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth, as United look to overhaul their football operation after full control was finally handed to Sir Jim Ratcliffe." He has previously spent 11 years at Liverpool, in the role of sporting director in his final years with the club.

Who else has been linked with the Man Utd role?

Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth has also been linked with the role in recent weeks. Head coach Eddie Howe has said recently he has 'no doubt' of Ashworth's long-term commitment to Newcastle. Ashworth has spent the past year-and-a-half as sporting director at Newcastle, overseeing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification in his first season in the role.

Manchester Evening News have claimed Ashworth is incoming minority owners, the INEOS Group's 'prime choice' for the sporting director role. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has promised Manchester United fans that he will continue to invest funds into the club, as an agreement to purchase 25 percent of the Red Devils was confirmed on Christmas Eve.

News broke at 4pm on Christmas Eve that the British billionaire’s $1.3bn (£1.03bn) bid had finally been agreed, although it will now be referred to the Premier League’ Owners’ and Directors’ Test, meaning it could take around six to eight weeks before the deal can be officially confirmed.