Michael Edwards, the former sporting director of Liverpool, has reportedly ruled out taking on a similar role in football after his recent return to the sport.
Edwards, who had an immensely successful 11-year tenure at Anfield, left his position at the end of the 2021/22 season but was confirmed to be making a comeback in an advisory capacity.
Manchester United Eyeing Michael Edwards of Liverpool
Various top clubs had expressed interest in securing his services during his hiatus, and Manchester United is now among his potential suitors.
A report from The Athletic suggests that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is seeking to acquire a minority stake in the club, has discussed Edwards as a potential candidate for a key role in the organization.
Ratcliffe’s United Stake Proposal
If Ratcliffe’s proposal for a 25 percent stake in United is approved, he will assume control of all football-related matters, making the appointment of a new sporting director a top priority.
However, whether Edwards would accept such a role remains uncertain.
Edwards: No More Sporting
In a previous report last month, it was revealed that Edwards would serve as a non-executive director of Ludonautics, an advisory service established in conjunction with Liverpool’s former director of research, Ian Graham.
While Edwards is open to taking on additional roles, it is unlikely that he will assume another sporting director position in the future, given his reunion with Graham.
Ward Considered Too
Interestingly, Julian Ward, Edwards’ successor at Liverpool, is also mentioned as a potential candidate for the position at Old Trafford.
Ward, who departed the Reds after just one season in his role, is currently unattached.
Candidates for Sporting Director
Other candidates for the role include Paul Mitchell, who held a similar position at Monaco and is based in Manchester, seeking new challenges after previous roles with Tottenham, Southampton, and RB Leipzig.
Dan Ashworth of Newcastle and Jean-Claude Blanc are also named as potential contenders.
The latter assumed the position of CEO of Ineos’ sporting empire last December and oversees the company’s involvement in various sports, including football, rugby, Formula 1, cycling, and sailing.
While there are anticipated personnel changes under Ratcliffe’s ownership, it is believed that Erik ten Hag’s position as the manager of Manchester United is secure, despite the team’s worst start to a season in 37 years.