Italian football veteran ‘open to Manchester United role under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’

According to reports, Paolo Maldini is amenable to discussions regarding a transfer to Manchester United, where he is reportedly being evaluated as a potential new football director.

Richard Arnold tendered his resignation as CEO of the Red Devils on Wednesday, while prospective minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe planned to implement significant alterations at Old Trafford.

Additionally, current football director John Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison’s employment is in serious jeopardy, as Ratcliffe is rumored to be intent on assembling his own staff.

Jean-Claude Blanc, the former CEO of Juventus, is considered the frontrunner to succeed Arnold, while Dougie Freedman, the sporting director of Crystal Palace, is reportedly being evaluated for a position in the prospective new football department structure.

Additionally, The Telegraph reports that Maldini, a 55-year-old who was unexpectedly released from AC Milan in the summer, is a possibility.

Widely considered one of the greatest defenders in football history, the Italian spent his entire development and professional career representing AC Milan’s first team from 1984 to 2009.

Maldini returned to Milan in August 2018 and was appointed director of sporting strategy and development for the club. The following year, he was elevated to the position of technical director.

It is believed that the former central defender was instrumental in the acquisitions of Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, and Mike Maignan, all of whom contributed to Milan’s 2021-22 Serie A championship.

In June, however, Maldini was allegedly fired from his position as technical director because of a dispute with the proprietor of the Italian club, Gerry Cardinale.

The Italian is reportedly willing to discuss a transfer to Manchester United, as he is now prepared for his next challenge following his release from San Siro, as reported by Metro Sport.

Both Lee Congerton of Atalanta BC and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are reportedly being evaluated by Manchester United for potential future positions with the club.

Ratcliffe’s 25% acquisition of Manchester United is rumored to have intentions of being active during the January transfer window, and confirmation of the deal is anticipated prior to the conclusion of the international break in November.

Although Ratcliffe is currently a minority shareholder, it is presumed that he has future intentions to execute a staggered takeover.

The Red Devils will return to Premier League action against Everton on November 26 before refocusing their efforts on a crucial Champions League match against Galatasaray, which they must win.