Paolo Maldini linked with sporting director role at Man United

Italian legend and five-time Champions League winner with AC Milan Paolo Maldini is reportedly linked with a sporting director role at Manchester United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his 25 % takeover at Old Trafford.

There are reports that the British Billionaire Ratcliffe could offload the current director of football at Man United, John Murtough.

Paolo Maldini, a 55-year-old retired Milan defender, joined Milan’s technical team in 2018 and was promoted to technical director in 2019. Three years later, the Rossoneri won their first Serie A title in more than a decade.

Throughout his time as technical director, Maldini implemented a clear transfer strategy and was successful with many of his signings. In his first summer, Milan signed Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez, the following year they got Sandro Tonali and Fikayo Tomori. All young talents. All successful signings.

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“We have an idea and want to build a young and talented team,” Maldini told Sky Sports Italy in May.

The Englishman is finalising his 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks. Fans are hoping the deal will be complete in time for the January transfer window so that Ratcliffe, who will be taking immediate control over sporting matters, can work his magic on the market.

With Ratcliffe’s ownership, there’s expected to be a significant reshuffle in the United hierarchy; it was confirmed this week that Richard Arnold would be leaving his position as chief executive officer by the end of December, while Jean-Claude Blanc is rumoured to be his long-term successor.

The Glazers have made no positive impact on the footballing side at Man United in the last decade and fans have on several occasions, protested their ownership of the club.

United have spent more than £ 1 billion since Ferguson’s 2013 retirement and have little to show for it, and that is why reports suggest John Murtough’s job as sporting director is at risk. Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to take control of footballing matters imminently once his 25 per cent stake in the club is ratified.

Maldini spent five years as Milan’s sporting director, where he implemented a clear and purposeful transfer strategy that brought him success in San Siro. His move to Old Trafford is seen as a cheering news to the fans.