Sources have confirmed to HITC that Manchester United want to bring Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman to the club, in addition to Jason Wilcox.
The Palace sporting director is respected within the Premier League as a keen talent spotter and now United are ready to offer him the the role heading up their recruitment.
United sources have told HITC that an official approach has not yet been made, but one is expected soon and they don’t anticipate not being able to secure an agreement for the 49-year-old Scot.
United hope Freedman will form a new potent looking front office along with fellow potential recruits Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.
United are still keen on bring in Wilcox alongside Freedman, HITC understands.
Ferguson recommendation
HITC understands that Freedman has been recommended to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS – United’s new minority owners – by Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson and Freedman became close during his spell as Bolton Wanderers manager and at one point were neighbours.
After spells in management with Bolton and also Nottingham Forest, Freedman moved upstairs with Palace as he became their sporting director in 2017.
Freedman had been put forward as a candidate to fill the sporting director role at United, but they have gone with Ashworth – with INEOS sporting chief Sir Dave Brailsford believing he is the right man for the role.
But now United have gone for Freedman to head up their recruitment team. HITC understands that Ferguson, whilst not been heavily involved with INEOS’ minority purchase, has been spoken to by Ratfcliffe at various points and his opinion on matters is held in high regard.
Major appointments
If and when Freedman accepts the offer, he would be working with Ashworth, alongside new chief executive Berrada – who is coming in from Manchester City, and also Southampton’s Wilcox, who is being lined up for a technical director role with an overview of the club’s academy.
Wilcox previously played a leading role in rivals City becoming one of the most dominant academy’s in Europe.
Brailsford, who has been heading up a strategic review at Old Trafford, has green-lit the move for Freedman to become part of the club’s new footballing approach.
United hope Freedman might begin work before the summer – something they are having to wait on with their other deals. Berrada’s deal is done but he is on gardening leave, as is Ashworth and as it stands his agreement is not finalised as talks with Newcastle continue. Talks are also ongoing with Southampton over Wilcox.
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