Maldini Addresses Man Utd Sporting Director Rumors
Paolo Maldini, the esteemed Italian defender, has divulged his selective criteria for considering a return to football. Having departed his position as AC Milan’s technical director in June 2023, Maldini has emerged as a potential candidate to join Manchester United, amidst Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for a new sporting department under the impending minority takeover by INEOS.
Despite his strong ties to Milan, Maldini confessed his reluctance to join another club, emphasizing the necessity of a substantial project to entice him to make a move. Expressing his preferences, he mentioned an openness solely to offers from top-tier foreign teams, highlighting his inclination towards ambitious projects focused on both winning and construction.
While reflecting on potential options, Maldini intriguingly pondered the prospect of Saudi Arabia as a stimulating destination. Meanwhile, the departure of Richard Arnold, the former chief executive at Old Trafford, has set the stage for the possible entry of Jean-Claude Blanc, formerly associated with Juventus and PSG, amidst Ratcliffe’s envisioned regime.
Ratcliffe’s strategy, akin to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s approach at Chelsea, involves assembling a cadre of experienced directors and officials to guide United into the future. Reports speculate Maldini as a potential candidate within this restructuring, although Paul Mitchell, currently unattached since leaving Monaco, stands as Ratcliffe’s apparent choice for the sporting director role.
As the reshaping of the club’s hierarchy unfolds, names like Atalanta’s Lee Congerton and Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman have also surfaced in discussions. Despite recent clarifications from Palace owner Steve Parish regarding Freedman’s potential move, the pursuit of a new director intensifies for United as they await Ratcliffe’s anticipated share acquisition.
