Dan Ashworth’s sudden exit from Manchester United has thrown the fanbase into chaos again as the “best-in-class” executive structure is already overhauled.
Ashworth’s disagreements with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ultimately proved to be too big an obstacle for either party to overcome and Man Utd are back to square one.
As it stands, there has been nothing confirmed from the club as to what their next move will be but in the meantime, the rumour mill is churning.
Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta has been linked to United, while Luis Campos is another name mentioned for the United job.
United even have an in-house option in Christopher Vivell who could be an upgrade on Ashworth but after trying to hire the “cream of the crop”, the club might go for a different profile so Edwin van der Sar’s latest comments will be music to the club’s ears.
Edwin van der Sar during the Eredivisie match between Go Ahead Eagles and Ajax at the De Adelaarshorst on April 2, 2023 in Deventer, Netherlands
Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Edwin van der Sar keeps door open for Man Utd return
A key point of dissonance between Ashworth and Ratcliffe was over the choice of the manager who would replace Erik ten Hag.
In fact, it has been reported that Ashworth was the one who batted for Ten Hag to stay and then proceeded to suggest a conservative list for Ten Hag replacements.
It didn’t align with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans that befit the size of a club like United.
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Who better to gauge that size and responsibility than someone who has played for the club but still comes with more than just nostalgia?
Edwin van der Sar has created a name for himself in the executive world with his successful exploits at Ajax and after a health scare, is ready to dive back into the daily grind.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he said he’s far from done in football and is waiting for a challenge that entices him.
He said: “No, no, I don’t think [I’m finished in football]. I enjoy the game and I think what I achieved in 11 years, first as a marketing director and then as a chief executive, I’m sure there’s gonna be a challenge somewhere or a possibility.
“The attraction of the football world, smelling success of working on a winning team to achieve something…I think that will be a pull at a certain point in my career.”
Edwin van der Sar aligns with what Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants
After a sensational U-turn within five months of hiring Ashworth, it goes without saying that Ineos have some fan credit to earn back.
So far, they have done well in some aspects but the Man Utd fans have been more than forgiving of their mistakes because of the mess they inherited and the sheer virtue of them being “not the Glazers”.
Hiring Edwin van der Sar fixes two things. Firstly, the return of the familiar figure will send euphoria soaring into the fanbase but this is not just a nostalgia hire.
As the Dutchman said, he comes with a solid body of work outside of his playing days credentials and will align with the Man Utd philosophy of fierce ambition that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to bring back.
With Omar Berrada clearly overreaching into footballing matters at large, as seen in his role in Ruben Amorim’s hiring, Van der Sar can do what he does best.
He can remain the figurehead and the face of the club who sets the culture at Carrington and leverages his executive world skills to fill gaps wherever necessary.
After all, he was never the “Sporting Director” at Ajax either, that was Marc Overmars. If Berrada, along with Wilcox, wants to shoulder some of that responsibility, then Van der Sar can be the ideal connecting bridge.
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