Man Utd Close to Getting New Director of Football

Former Man United keeper Edwin van der Sar has emerged as favourite to became the clubs new director of football after his work with Ajax rising stars.

Edwin van der Sar looks the clear favourite to be Manchester United's new director of football after bookmaker Paddy Power suspended betting on him landing the job.

The Former United keeper emerged as favourite for the role at the weekend, with Red Devils executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward keen on the Ajax chief executive's expertise and enviable contacts.

Paddy Power suspended betting on Monday morning, after the odds on Van der Sar being the man for the job fell from 9/1 to 2/1 overnight due to a flurry of big-money bets.

Former United players Darren Fletcher, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have all previously been linked with the role, with John Murtagh and Paul Mitchell also believed to have been in the frame.

Van der Sar, 48, has acquired a glowing reputation for his work at Ajax, and he is a powerful figure on the board of the European Club Association.

Woodward wants someone who can help manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer realise his transfer targets, and with Van der Sar's contacts and his work developing the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, the Dutchman fits the profile.

United were believed to initially want to fill the director of football role by the start of this season, but the bookies make it 5/1 that Woodward fails to secure anyone before the season is out.

A spokesman for Paddy Power said: “Man United are said to be desperate to hire former player Edwin van der Sar for their vacant director of football role and it seems punters think that move is nailed on.

“We were inundated with big bets on the move on Sunday night into Monday morning, so we’ve decided to stop taking any further wagers on it.

Van der Sar has helped develop the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong at Ajax  and he will face a dilemma should United come calling.

Walking out of Ajax when they have just joined Europe’s elite again, and having built up an incredible bank balance of £220million from transfers, would be regarded as betrayal by fans in Holland.

Health issues with his wife have also stopped him from moving abroad in the past.

Annemarie suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2009, and while she is now in a much better condition, it could be just too early for him to leave Ajax and Holland.